Nixonian

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Relating to or characteristic of Richard Nixon or his policies, often describing political styles or actions associated with his presidency
2. Characterizing the strategies and tactics employed during Nixon's administration, particularly in relation to power and governance
3. Pertaining to the legacy or influence of Nixon, especially regarding his approach to diplomacy and domestic affairs

Etymology: Nixonian is a plain formation: the surname Nixon with the suffix "-ian", which English uses to make adjectives meaning "relating to" or "characteristic of" a person or place. The pattern is old and productive, as in "Shakespearean" or "Victorian", and it turns a name into a label for a style, era or set of ideas. The base is the surname of Richard Nixon, the 37th President of the United States, whose name was already widely known by the time this adjective came into use. Because the suffix attaches to the name directly, the word can describe his political personality, policies or influence without needing a further noun to explain what it refers to, so commentators can speak of a "Nixonian" approach to foreign policy or a "Nixonian" style of governing.