Bully pulpit
Encyclopedia
A bully pulpit is a public office or other position of authority of sufficiently high rank that provides the holder with an opportunity to speak out and be listened to on any matter. The bully pulpit can bring issues to the forefront that were not initially in debate, due to the office's stature and publicity.
This term was coined by President Theodore Roosevelt
, who referred to the White House as a "bully pulpit," by which he meant a terrific platform from which to advocate an agenda. Roosevelt famously used the word bully as an adjective meaning "superb" or "wonderful" (a more common expression in his time than it is today).
Its meaning in this sense is only distantly related to the modern form of "bully", which means "harasser of the weak". The word is related to the Dutch boel, meaning lover, and is also found in the German word Nebenbuhler, meaning a rival for a lady's affection. In English usage around 1700, "bully" came to be similar to "pimp," which gives us the connotation of a ruffian or harasser.
Due to the archaic nature of the adjective "bully" and the religious symbolism of the word pulpit
(the elevated platform used by a preacher), this phrase is often misunderstood as a pejorative. This misinterpretation implies intimidation
and, possibly, an abuse of authority. An example of this (incorrect usage) would be the sentence: "He uses his job as a bully pulpit, regaling his subordinates with his political opinions as part of their morning meetings."
An example of modern use of the phrase is the headline, about the archbishop of New York, "Archbishop Timothy Dolan rises to the bully pulpit in the midst of a culture war."
This term was coined by President Theodore Roosevelt
Theodore Roosevelt
Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt was the 26th President of the United States . He is noted for his exuberant personality, range of interests and achievements, and his leadership of the Progressive Movement, as well as his "cowboy" persona and robust masculinity...
, who referred to the White House as a "bully pulpit," by which he meant a terrific platform from which to advocate an agenda. Roosevelt famously used the word bully as an adjective meaning "superb" or "wonderful" (a more common expression in his time than it is today).
Its meaning in this sense is only distantly related to the modern form of "bully", which means "harasser of the weak". The word is related to the Dutch boel, meaning lover, and is also found in the German word Nebenbuhler, meaning a rival for a lady's affection. In English usage around 1700, "bully" came to be similar to "pimp," which gives us the connotation of a ruffian or harasser.
Due to the archaic nature of the adjective "bully" and the religious symbolism of the word pulpit
Pulpit
Pulpit is a speakers' stand in a church. In many Christian churches, there are two speakers' stands at the front of the church. Typically, the one on the left is called the pulpit...
(the elevated platform used by a preacher), this phrase is often misunderstood as a pejorative. This misinterpretation implies intimidation
Intimidation
Intimidation is intentional behavior "which would cause a person of ordinary sensibilities" fear of injury or harm. It's not necessary to prove that the behavior was so violent as to cause terror or that the victim was actually frightened.Criminal threatening is the crime of intentionally or...
and, possibly, an abuse of authority. An example of this (incorrect usage) would be the sentence: "He uses his job as a bully pulpit, regaling his subordinates with his political opinions as part of their morning meetings."
An example of modern use of the phrase is the headline, about the archbishop of New York, "Archbishop Timothy Dolan rises to the bully pulpit in the midst of a culture war."