Bolsheviki

/bɑːlʃəˈviːki/ noun

Definition

Plural form (especially in Russian) of Bolshevik; members of the Bolshevik faction of the Russian Socialist Democratic Labour Party.

Etymology

Russian plural of 'Bolshevik,' from 'bol'shinstvo' meaning 'majority.' Lenin's faction was called 'Bolshevik' because they claimed majority support, though this was disputed by the Mensheviks (the 'minority').

Kelly Says

The name 'Bolsheviki' is fascinating because it was originally a political propaganda term—Lenin's group called themselves the 'majority' even though they weren't, and they successfully rebranded a false claim into one of history's most powerful revolutionary movements!

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