What is demagogue? How to use in English

The term "demagogue" comes from ancient Greek democracy, specifically from the Athenian democracy in the 5th and 4th centuries BCE. In Greek, "demos" means people, while "agōgus" means leader or guide. Thus, the original meaning of the term "demagogue" was "leader of the people," or more specifically, "popular leader." However, during the decline of the Athenian democracy, the term took on a negative connotation, as it was used to describe politicians who used popular sentiment and agitation to sway public opinion and pass laws that served their own interests rather than those of the general population. In this context, a demagogue was a populist leader who exploited the emotions of the masses and manipulated them for political gain. The modern use of the term "demagogue" generally refers to a politician who uses false or misleading statements, inflammatory rhetoric, and appeals to prejudice to mobilize supporters and attract attention. In this sense, the term connotes a leader who is often seen as manipulative, charismatic, and potentially dangerous to political institutions and the democratic process.