Top 22 Slang For Revolutionary – Meaning & Usage

Revolutionaries, the trailblazers and change-makers of society, often have their own unique lingo that sets them apart. Curious to learn the slang that fuels their movements? Look no further as we unveil a list of top revolutionary slang terms that will keep you in the loop and ready to join the fight for change. Get ready to be inspired and empowered as you delve into this exciting world of revolutionary language!

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1. Rebel

A rebel is someone who actively opposes or resists authority, often with the aim of bringing about political or social change. In the context of revolution, a rebel is someone who fights against the established order or government.

For example, during the American Revolutionary War, the colonists were rebels fighting against British rule.
In a discussion about political movements, someone might say, “The rebels in that country are fighting for their freedom.”
A person advocating for change might declare, “We need more rebels to challenge the status quo and push for progress.”

2. Insurgent

An insurgent is a person who takes part in an armed rebellion or uprising against an established authority or government. Insurgents often use guerrilla tactics and unconventional warfare to achieve their goals.

For instance, during the Vietnam War, the Viet Cong were insurgents fighting against the South Vietnamese government and its American allies.
In a discussion about current conflicts, someone might say, “The insurgents are gaining ground and posing a significant threat to government forces.”
A military analyst might explain, “Insurgents rely on asymmetrical warfare and blending in with the local population to undermine the authority of the established government.”

3. Radical

A radical is someone who advocates for fundamental or extreme political or social change. Radicals often reject the existing system and seek to create a new order or revolutionize society.

For example, during the French Revolution, the Jacobins were radical revolutionaries who sought to overthrow the monarchy and establish a republic.
In a discussion about political ideologies, someone might say, “He’s a radical who wants to completely dismantle the current economic system.”
A political commentator might argue, “Radicals often challenge the status quo and push for progressive change, but their methods can be divisive.”

4. Freedom fighter

A freedom fighter is someone who fights for the liberation of a group or nation from oppression or tyranny. They are often seen as heroes or champions of justice, fighting for the rights and freedoms of their people.

For instance, Nelson Mandela is widely regarded as a freedom fighter who fought against apartheid in South Africa.
In a discussion about resistance movements, someone might say, “The freedom fighters in that country are risking their lives to secure a better future.”
A historian might note, “Throughout history, freedom fighters have played a crucial role in challenging oppressive regimes and advancing human rights.”

5. Guerrilla

A guerrilla is a member of an irregular military force that engages in unconventional warfare, typically in rural or urban areas. Guerrillas often use hit-and-run tactics, ambushes, and sabotage to weaken the enemy and achieve their objectives.

For example, the Viet Cong in Vietnam and the FARC in Colombia were both guerrilla forces fighting against established governments.
In a discussion about military strategy, someone might say, “Guerrilla warfare can be highly effective against a larger, better-equipped enemy.”
A military historian might explain, “Guerrilla fighters operate in small, decentralized units and rely on the support of local populations to sustain their resistance.”

6. Revolutionary

A person who advocates or supports a major change or overthrow of the existing system or government. “Revolutionary” is often used to describe someone who is actively involved in a movement or cause for radical change.

For example, “Che Guevara was a famous revolutionary who fought for the liberation of Latin America.”
In a political discussion, someone might say, “We need revolutionary ideas to address the systemic issues.”
A historian might describe a particular period as “a time of great revolutionary fervor.”

7. Liberator

Someone who fights or works for the liberation of a group or society from oppression or tyranny. “Liberator” is often used to describe individuals who play a significant role in achieving freedom or independence for a specific group or nation.

For instance, “Nelson Mandela is widely regarded as a liberator for his efforts in ending apartheid in South Africa.”
In a discussion about civil rights, someone might say, “Martin Luther King Jr. was a prominent liberator in the fight against racial discrimination.”
A journalist might describe a political figure as “a liberator who led his country to independence.”

8. Firebrand

A person who stirs up or incites unrest, dissent, or controversy. “Firebrand” is often used to describe someone who is passionate, outspoken, and influential in advocating for radical change or challenging the status quo.

For example, “Malcolm X was a firebrand known for his powerful speeches and advocacy for black rights.”
In a political debate, someone might accuse their opponent of being a firebrand, saying, “You’re just trying to incite chaos and division.”
A commentator might describe a protest leader as “a firebrand who galvanized the crowd with their impassioned speeches.”

9. Dissident

A person who opposes or challenges the established political or social order. “Dissident” is often used to describe individuals who openly express their disagreement or dissent with the prevailing ideology or government.

For instance, “Vaclav Havel was a prominent dissident who played a crucial role in the Velvet Revolution in Czechoslovakia.”
In a discussion about human rights, someone might say, “Dissidents around the world face persecution for speaking out against oppressive regimes.”
A journalist might describe a writer as “a dissident voice who fearlessly critiques the government.”

10. Avenger

A person who seeks revenge or retribution for perceived wrongs or injustices. “Avenger” is often used to describe someone who takes the law into their own hands and seeks to right perceived injustices outside of the established legal system.

For example, “Batman is often portrayed as an avenger, fighting crime and seeking justice in Gotham City.”
In a discussion about personal vendettas, someone might say, “He became an avenger after his family was killed.”
A movie critic might describe a character as “an avenger who goes on a mission to avenge their loved ones.”

11. Resistor

A resistor is someone who actively opposes or defies authority, often in the pursuit of social or political change. They resist the status quo and challenge the established norms and systems.

For example, during the civil rights movement, activists like Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr. were seen as resistors against racial segregation.
In a protest against government policies, a resistor might say, “We won’t back down until our demands are met.”
A political dissenter might be labeled a resistor for speaking out against the ruling party.

12. Iconoclast

An iconoclast is someone who breaks established traditions or conventions, often in a rebellious or revolutionary manner. They challenge the prevailing beliefs and norms, seeking to create change and disrupt the status quo.

For instance, artists like Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dalí were considered iconoclasts for their unconventional and boundary-pushing art.
A person who challenges societal expectations around gender roles might be called an iconoclast.
In a discussion about innovation, someone might say, “Iconoclasts are often the ones who bring about significant advancements in various fields.”

13. Agitator

An agitator is someone who stirs up discontent or unrest, often for the purpose of inciting change or challenging authority. They actively provoke or encourage others to take action against perceived injustices or oppressive systems.

For example, during labor strikes, union leaders are often seen as agitators for organizing and advocating for workers’ rights.
In a political protest, someone might be labeled an agitator for leading chants and encouraging others to join in.
A person who constantly challenges the status quo and pushes for reform might be called an agitator.

14. Troublemaker

A troublemaker is someone who causes disruptions or creates chaos, often in a mischievous or rebellious manner. They challenge authority and social norms, often for their amusement or to provoke a reaction.

For instance, a student who constantly disrupts class and challenges the teacher’s authority might be labeled a troublemaker.
In a social gathering, someone who starts arguments or instigates conflicts could be considered a troublemaker.
A person who intentionally breaks rules and pushes boundaries might be seen as a troublemaker.

15. Subversive

A subversive is someone who seeks to undermine or overthrow established systems, often through covert or unconventional means. They challenge the dominant ideologies and norms, working to bring about radical change from within.

For example, during oppressive regimes, dissidents who secretly distribute information or organize resistance are considered subversives.
In a discussion about counterculture movements, someone might say, “Subversive art and music played a crucial role in challenging societal norms.”
A person who questions authority and actively works to dismantle oppressive structures might identify as a subversive.

16. Partisan

A partisan is someone who strongly supports a particular cause or group, especially in a political context. The term is often used to describe someone who is biased or one-sided in their views.

For example, a political commentator might say, “The partisans on both sides of the aisle are refusing to compromise.”
In a discussion about a controversial policy, someone might accuse their opponent of being a partisan, saying, “You’re just blindly following your party’s agenda.”
A person might describe themselves as a partisan, saying, “I am a partisan for social justice and equality.”

17. Renegade

A renegade is someone who goes against the established norms or rules. It refers to someone who rebels or acts in a defiant or unconventional manner.

For instance, a character in a movie might be described as a renegade, saying, “He’s a renegade cop who plays by his own rules.”
In a discussion about a controversial movement, someone might say, “The renegades are challenging the status quo.”
A person might describe themselves as a renegade, saying, “I am a renegade artist who breaks all the traditional rules.”

18. Instigator

An instigator is someone who intentionally stirs up or initiates trouble or conflict. It refers to someone who provokes or incites others to take action.

For example, a person might say, “He’s always the instigator in our group, starting arguments for no reason.”
In a discussion about a protest, someone might accuse a particular individual of being an instigator, saying, “He’s trying to provoke the police to escalate the situation.”
A person might describe themselves as an instigator, saying, “I am an instigator for change and refuse to stay silent.”

19. Reformer

A reformer is someone who advocates for or works towards making changes, especially in a social or political context. It refers to someone who seeks to improve or modify existing systems or structures.

For instance, a politician might be described as a reformer, saying, “She is a tireless advocate for education reform.”
In a discussion about social issues, someone might say, “We need more reformers who are willing to challenge the status quo.”
A person might describe themselves as a reformer, saying, “I am a reformer who believes in fighting for justice and equality.”

20. Zealot

A zealot is someone who is extremely passionate and enthusiastic about a particular belief or cause. It refers to someone who is fervent and uncompromising in their devotion.

For example, a person might say, “He’s a religious zealot who is willing to do anything for his faith.”
In a discussion about a political movement, someone might accuse their opponents of being zealots, saying, “They’re blinded by their zealotry and refuse to listen to other perspectives.”
A person might describe themselves as a zealot, saying, “I am a zealot for environmental conservation and will do whatever it takes to protect our planet.”

21. Aggressor

This term refers to a person or group that initiates an aggressive or hostile action. In the context of revolution, an aggressor can be someone who starts or leads a movement to overthrow a government or challenge the status quo.

For example, during the French Revolution, the revolutionaries were seen as the aggressors against the monarchy.
In a discussion about social change, someone might say, “Sometimes, an aggressor is necessary to disrupt the existing power structures.”
A historian might describe a revolution as, “The result of years of frustration and the actions of a determined aggressor.”

22. Provocateur

This term refers to a person who intentionally provokes or incites others to take actions that may be seen as aggressive or confrontational. In the context of revolution, a provocateur can be someone who infiltrates a movement or organization to undermine its goals or incite violence.

For example, during the civil rights movement, there were accusations of provocateurs trying to incite violence and discredit the peaceful protests.
In a discussion about protest tactics, someone might say, “It’s important to be aware of potential provocateurs who might try to escalate the situation.”
A journalist might write an article about “The role of provocateurs in political uprisings.”