banana republic


noun Usually Disparaging.

any of the small countries in the tropics, especially in the Western Hemisphere, whose economies are largely dependent on fruit exports, tourism, and foreign investors.

Origin of banana republic

First recorded in 1930–35

usage note for banana republic

This term typically refers to a dictatorship that exploits agricultural workers.

British Dictionary definitions for banana republics

banana republic

noun

derogatory a small country, esp in Central America, that is politically unstable and has an economy dominated by foreign interest, usually dependent on one export, such as bananas

Cultural definitions for banana republics

banana republics

A term describing any of several small nations in Latin America that have economies based on a few agricultural crops.

notes for banana republics

The term banana republic is often used in a disparaging sense; it suggests an unstable government.