Etymology

neo-reactionary

Today it means: Reacting against the (especially liberal) values of the modern world; now typically seen as characterised by opposition to egalitarianism, support for strong centralised government, and espousal of conservative economic policies. Full definition →

First used 20th c.
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The story

From neo- + reactionary, in the contemporary meaning popularized in a 2010 blog post.

First known use, by meaning

  • from 20th c. Reacting against the (especially liberal) values of the modern world; now typically seen as characterised by opposition to egalitarianism, support for strong centralised government, and espousal of conservative economic policies.
  • from 20th c. Someone who holds such views.

Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.