carpetbagger

noun

car·​pet·​bag·​ger ˈkär-pət-ˌba-gər 

plural carpetbaggers

1

disapproving : a Northerner in the South after the American Civil War usually seeking private gain under the Reconstruction governments

2

disapproving : outsider

especially : a nonresident or new resident who seeks private gain from an area often by meddling in its business or politics

carpetbaggery

ˈkär-pət-ˌba-g(ə-)rē 

noun

Examples of carpetbagger in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Ferber was attacked not only for being a carpetbagger, but also for having a progressive agenda. —Chris Vognar, The Atlantic, 9 Dec. 2024

But Boebert faced a crowded GOP primary to replace Buck, and some criticized her as a carpetbagger. —Caroline Vakil, The Hill, 6 Nov. 2024

Their carpetbagger steak, topped with fried oysters, is a standout dish. —Marley Malenfant, Austin American-Statesman, 19 July 2024

However, Boebert, despite being called a carpetbagger for switching to the 4th District, defeated five opponents in the GOP primary, winning three times as many votes as the next-closest candidate. —Judith Kohler, The Denver Post, 5 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

from their carrying all their belongings in carpetbags

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

carpetbagger

noun

car·​pet·​bag·​ger ˈkär-pət-ˌbag-ər 

: a Northerner in the South after the American Civil War usually seeking private gain under the reconstruction governments