Crony

Crony is a noun meaning a close associate or friend, especially a political or business ally who may receive preferential treatment. The term frequently carries a negative connotation when used to describe relationships that appear to blur lines between friendship and official decision-making.

Etymology and history are uncertain. In English, crony has long referred to a companion or intimate associate, and the modern sense of favoring such individuals in governance or commerce developed over time. The related noun cronyism and the compound crony capitalism describe practices where personal connections influence appointments, contracts, or policies rather than merit or competitive processes.

Usage and context. Crony is typically used in critical or evaluative discourse about power and decision-making. It is commonly applied in political critique to point to favoritism toward friends or allies, sometimes implying opaque bargaining or conflicts of interest. The term can appear in discussions of business, government, or public institutions, especially when concerns about transparency, accountability, and meritocracy arise.

Related terms. Cronyism refers to the practice of favoring one's close friends or allies in appointive or contract opportunities. Crony capitalism describes an economic environment in which business success depends on close ties to government officials. Related concepts include nepotism and patronage, which, like cronyism, involve preferential treatment based on relationships rather than objective criteria.

Notes. The word often functions as a pejorative and can vary in severity by context. In neutral historical analysis, cronyism may be described descriptively, whereas in political debate it is typically used as a critique of governance or policy processes.