Polidiot (politics + idiot)

A “polidiot” (politics + idiot) can mean a politician who’s an idiot or a member of the general public (such as a voter) who’s an idiot. The term “polidiot” has been cited in print since at least 1936, but gained popularity on Internet boards since at least 1992.

A January 1992 citation for “polidiot” combines the words “police” and “idiot.”
 
 
Urban Dictionary
polidiot
a person that rarely ever thinks for himself when deciding support for a political candidate
someone who prefers to use fear, and bigotry to win elections
Jeff: Can you believe the chairman of the Lehigh County GOP thinks saying Obama’s middle name is going to win the Republicans the election??????
Ron: Yeah - I’m a republican, but that strategy is reserved for polidiots!!!!!!!!!!
by ftc34 Nov 13, 2008
 
Google Books
Shining Scabbard
By R. C. Hutchinson
New York, NY: Toronto, Farrar & Rinehart, Inc.
1936
Pg. 413:
“A well-meaning polidiot, having this Severin on his mind…”
“I’m sorry,” Bouheyre said, “but your coining of that word is enough to identify you by itself.”
 
Google Groups: rec.arts.tv.soaps
Newsgroups: rec.arts.tv.soaps
From: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (C. Corvin)
Date: 18 Jan 92 00:21:33 GMT
Local: Fri, Jan 17 1992 7:21 pm
Subject: Re: ATWT: 1-15 WednesdayJeepUpdate
 
If the parrot isn’t enought help for the Oakdale polidiots, they could get a police dog and let it sniff the pages of Carolyn’s diary that were sent to H2D.
 
Google Groups: tx.general
Newsgroups: tx.general
From: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (Chris Moller)
Date: 12 Aug 92 14:42:01 GMT
Local: Wed, Aug 12 1992 9:42 am
Subject: Re: Car licensing fees
 
Wrong!  I hate to pay taxes, and not just because the polidiots waste most of the money.
 
Google Groups: bit.listserv.words-l
Newsgroups: bit.listserv.words-l
From: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (Ruth M. Hanschka)
Date: 15 Oct 92 20:28:53 GMT
Local: Thurs, Oct 15 1992 3:28 pm
Subject: Re: leading economists

Too late!  I was thinking of sending her to the next President, and letting her find a creative outlet for her urges to chew the polidiots out.😊
 
Google Groups: alt.fan.dan-quayle 
Newsgroups: alt.fan.dan-quayle
From: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (sine nomine)
Date: 19 Nov 92 18:55:59 GMT
Local: Thurs, Nov 19 1992 1:55 pm
Subject: Re: future uses for alt.fan.dan-quayle

alt.fan.polidiots?
 
BBC News
Last Updated: Tuesday, 7 November 2006, 12:25 GMT
Let’s help to herd the dinosaurs 
By Claire Heald
BBC News Magazine
Office jargon: loved by bosses but increasingly hated by staff. In a mood of revenge, Magazine readers suggest their own versions of twisted phrases to baffle the bosses.
(...)
A polidiot is someone promoted beyond their abilities thanks to their political skills.
 
the Politidiot
Polidiots of the day: Wisconsin Republicans Lawmakers
May 26, 2011
A judge ruled on Thursday Wisconsin Republican lawmakers illegally pushed through a bill curbing the bargaining rights of public sector unions. thus voiding the law.