Imran Khan: Pakistan's Political Animal Whisperer - A Menagerie of Linguistic Labels

Politicians frequently represent their rivals favorably by using language, which is a potent instrument in politics. In a 1984 Televised discussion, the late US Vice President Walter Mondale famously remarked, "When politicians use labels, they cease thinking." Yet, using witty language can be a technique to influence the general public's perception of political opponents. Politicians have long recognized the influence of language in influencing political discourse, whether it be through the use of metaphors, nicknames, or soundbites and catchphrases.

A well-timed joke or astute observation can be a potent instrument in politics for influencing voters. Ronald Reagan, whose famous comment about age and experience during the 1984 presidential debates still rings true today, may have known this the best. Reagan responded when questioned if he was too old to serve as President, "I will not make age an issue of this campaign. I am not going to exploit, for political purposes, my opponent's youth and inexperience," earning a laugh even from his opponent, Walter Mondale.

Khan's penchant for creating unique labels for his opponents is well-known. For instance, look at this sample:

"We are neutral," DG-ISPR

"Animals are neutral," retorted Imran Khan

Imran Khan, a former Pakistani prime minister, makes a unique word choice when describing his political rivals in his declarations and speeches. referring to "the neutrals," Nawz, Zardari, Shehbaz, and Maulana.

This may sound like a zookeeper's statement, but it was actually meant for his political adversaries. It's commonly known that Khan enjoys coming up with original names for his rivals, and he frequently tops himself with his most recent jabs. Imran Khan is not your usual politician, thus it's not often that you hear one compare their opponents to animals.

Khan has referred to his opponents in the past using a variety of linguistic strategies. Nawaz Sharif was referred to as a "runaway," while Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman was called "diesel." Maryam Nawaz was referred to as "Nani( (which means grandmother in Urdu).)," and Shahbaz Sharif as "show-baz Sharif".

Yet Khan's inventiveness with language doesn't end there. He has also called "neutrals" Mir Jafar and described Zardari, Nawaz, and others as a "band of robbers." Even words like "handlers" and "dirty Harry" have been used to criticize the establishment by him.

Read more: Maryam Nawaz Sharif vs. Imran Khan: A Battle for Pakistanis' Hearts and Minds

Key terms from the New Dictionary of Pakistan's political linguistics (a complete list is being compiled)
Here are a few of the intriguing linguistics choices Imran Khan uses for his rivals:
For Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman, "Diesel".
For Nawaz Sharif, "Runaway".
Shahbaz Sharif is known as "Show-baz Sharif".
Maryam Nawaz is known as "Nani".
"Pack of thieves," in the words of Zardari, Nawaz, and others.
Mr. Jafar, neutrals, (slang for political traitors)
"Handlers" for 'aliens' "Dirty Harry" 'Mr. X', 'Mr. Y' for some people somewhere in the ' agriculture department'.

These are just a few instances of Imran Khan's inventive language use in Pakistani politics.