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The specific meaning of "compatriot" as "fellow national or fellow citizen" is not commonly used in the U.S. Speaking generally, "compatriot" is more often equa
by geuis 16y ago
The specific meaning of "compatriot" as "fellow national or fellow citizen" is not commonly used in the U.S. Speaking generally, "compatriot" is more often equated to meaning "partner in crime" or something similar. It generally has a negative connotation.
- wazoox 16y agoPaint me surprised. This supposedly common meaning is absent from the main online dictionaries (Merriam-Webster, Word Reference, Free Online Dictionary) and my paper one (Harrap's).
- joubert 16y agoIt is, however, in the Mac's built-in dictionary, which is The New Oxford American Dictionary.
- jackfoxy 16y agohttp://www.wordnik.com/words/compatriot http://www.wordnik.com/words/compatriot Second definition from American Heritage Dictionary: 2. A colleague.
- geuis 16y agoJust noticed this, it uses compatriots in the negative context I mentioned: http://www.slate.com/id/2292724/ http://www.slate.com/id/2292724/