What are Cronies?
Cronies are close friends who have a long history with each other. Long-term friends and companions tend to be especially close to each other, and their relationships are often mutually beneficial. As a result, the meaning of the word “crony” has twisted slightly from its original sense, and today it is used primarily to refer to cronyism, a type of political corruption which is characterized by doing favors for old friends and long-term companions. In the original sense, “crony” appears to have emerged at Cambridge in the 1660s, and it is believed to be derived from the Greek khronos, or “time,” the same root behind words like “chronology” and “chronometer.” Originally, cronies were simply old and well-established friends who were viewed as pleasant and enjoyable company. In the 1900s, however, the term began to acquire more sinister implications, as politicians set their friends up with lucrative government contracts or positions. The traditional sense of the word is still retained i
Cronies are close friends who have a long history with each other. Long-term friends and companions tend to be especially close to each other, and their relationships are often mutually beneficial. As a result, the meaning of the word “crony” has twisted slightly from its original sense, and today it is used primarily to refer to cronyism, a type of political corruption which is characterized by doing favors for old friends and long-term companions. In the original sense, “crony” appears to have emerged at Cambridge in the 1660s, and it is believed to be derived from the Greek khronos, or “time,” the same root behind words like “chronology” and “chronometer.” Originally, cronies were simply old and well-established friends who were viewed as pleasant and enjoyable company. In the 1900s, however, the term began to acquire more sinister implications, as politicians set their friends up with lucrative government contracts or positions.
