gerrymandering

Definition

The art of drawing electoral district boundaries to favor one party over another, creating bizarrely shaped districts that look like modern art had a seizure. Democracy's favorite loophole.

Example Usage

The opposition accused the state legislature of gerrymandering after the new district map looked suspiciously like a dragon eating a pizza slice.

Origin

Coined in 1812 from Massachusetts Governor Elbridge Gerry + salamander, after critics said his district resembled the creature

Fun Fact

North Carolina's 12th congressional district was once so contorted that it connected urban areas via a highway, leading one judge to say it was so narrow 'a car traveling down I-85 could pass through it.'

Source: Electoral politics and constitutional law

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