banana republic - Definition & Meaning

a country with a weak economy that heavily relies on the export of a limited product, such as bananas, and may be influenced by foreign powers or investmentsa country with a weak economy that heavily relies on the export of a limited product, such as bananas, and may be influenced by foreign powers or investments

The idiom "banana republic" was coined by American writer O. Henry in his 1904 book "Cabbages and Kings." It gained widespread usage and recognition after the book was published. O. Henry used the term to describe fictional countries in Latin America that were characterized by political instability, corruption, and economic dependence on a single export, which in the book's case was bananas. The term has since been used in discussions about developing nations or regions where a single export commodity, such as bananas, dominates the economy.The idiom "banana republic" was coined by American writer O. Henry in his 1904 book "Cabbages and Kings." It gained widespread usage and recognition after the book was published. O. Henry used the term to describe fictional countries in Latin America that were characterized by political instability, corruption, and economic dependence on a single export, which in the book's case was bananas. The term has since been used in discussions about developing nations or regions where a single export commodity, such as bananas, dominates the economy.

例句

Many people consider that country a banana republic due to its rampant corruption.
由于腐败猖獗，许多人认为那个国家是一个香蕉共和国。
The documentary exposes the realities of living in a modern-day banana republic.
这部纪录片揭露了生活在现代香蕉共和国的现实。
He often criticizes government policies, arguing they contribute to the country's banana republic status.
他经常批评政府政策，认为这些政策导致了国家的香蕉共和国地位。