| 释义 |
Butskellism Pol.|ˈbʌtskɪlɪz(ə)m|
[Blend of the names of Richard Austen Butler, Conservative Chancellor of the Exchequer (1951–55) and Hugh Todd Naylor Gaitskell, Labour Chancellor of the Exchequer (1950–51) and subsequently Shadow Chancellor + -ism.]
The economic policy of Butler, regarded as largely undifferentiable from that of his predecessor and Shadow Chancellor Gaitskell; advocacy of this policy. Also in extended use, esp. the centrist attitudes and policies which, according to many commentators, influenced both Labour and Conservative parties during the post-war period, leading to a previously unexpected measure of agreement on such matters as law, education, social policy, and defence.
‘Yes, he [sc. Richard Fort MP] did invent ‘Butskellism’. It was over lunch at the Reform; Norman McRae (our host) completed the trio... We were having a general discussion about the political-cum-economic situation, and it is our recollection that Richard coined the actual word. Norman then went off and wrote the Economist leader.’ — Sir I. Trethowan, in private letter to Sir E. W. Playfair (1987).
[1954Economist 13 Feb. 440/1 Mr Butskell is already a well-known figure in dinner table conversations in both Westminster and Whitehall, and the time has come to introduce him to a wider audience. He is a composite of the present Chancellor and the previous one. ] Ibid. 441/2 The next few weeks will show whether the Opposition will seize this chance of golden silence; or whether, in a Brown fury, it is going to throw the opportunity for constructive Butskellism away.1969H. Macmillan Tides of Fortune xx. 691 Gaitskell..no doubt wishing to avoid the stigma of ‘Butskellism’, made an unusually violent speech. 1972Daily Tel. 24 Oct. 16 These [policies] differed radically from the consensus policy of ‘Butskellism’ which had been pursued by the Tories during the Macmillan era. 1978R. Maudling Mem. i. 28 In politics it may be called the Middle Way, Butskellism, or consensus. 1981Economist 21 Feb. 15 The heirs of Butskellism, the centrist Tory policies of the 1950s and 1960s, are not ready to see the real value of pensions cut.
Hence ˈButskellite a., that is or resembles Butskellism; also as n., an adherent of Butskellism. Also (rare) ˈButskellist n.
1956Economist 31 Mar. 669/1 The Butskellite policies of 1951– 55. 1959F. Maclean Back to Bokhara i. 58 There is certainly much in the Soviet Government's lavish use of incentives..that would shock our own old-time Butskellists. 1964Economist 11 Apr. 115/1 A bunch of Butskellites. 1977Financial Times 25 Feb. 31/8 Nor is it too difficult to piece together a perfectly sensible eclectic programme of measures on the leftward side of a central moderate consensus. One could concoct a modern Butskellite programme of this kind. 1982Times 12 Feb. 4/3 The prevailing mood in the church is ‘Butskellite’, whatever may have happened to Parliament. |