Meaning of frontrunneritis | Babel Free

Definitions

A supposed affliction said to cause someone, especially a political candidate, to struggle as soon as they become a front runner.

informal, uncountable

Examples

“"This is sort⟳ of the fourth generation of front-runner-itis he's suffered through," said Carney. "First it was that he was hiding in Austin and not campaigning. Then it was all he cared about was money. Then it was 'he's afraid to debate⟳.' Now it's that he's not substantive enough. I don't know⟳ if it's all just wishful thinking on the part of his opponents or something more."”

“Yes, FrontRunneritis is a terrible disease. Lyndon Johnson had it. Ed Muskie had it. Howard Dean had it. Candidates for all levels of office catch⟳ it.”

“Romney, on the other hand, is exhibiting signs of "front-runneritis," said Lehane, "where they try⟳ to protect⟳ themselves. They go into a cocoon; they don't want⟳ to engage⟳ in the hurly-burly that is the very definition of an Iowa caucus or a New Hampshire primary."”

“But she also has "front-runneritis" - in some cases drawing comparisons to New York's Christine Quinn: early favorite to succeed⟳ Mayor Michael Bloomberg; finished third in her Democratic primary.”

“Look⟳, I understand⟳ the current Seahawks mania. Who can't love⟳ Pete Carroll and his Legion of Boom? But I have⟳ the sense⟳ — bear⟳ with me, now — that there's an element of frontrunner-itis infecting us.”

CEFR level