Poodle (insult)

In politics, "poodle" is an insult used to describe a politician who obediently or passively follows the lead of others.[1] It is considered to be equivalent to lackey.[2] Usage of the term is thought to relate to the passive and obedient nature of the type of dog. In June 2001, Colette Avital unsuccessfully tried to have the term's use banned from the Knesset.[3]

During the 2000s, it was used against Tony Blair with regard to his close relationship with George W. Bush and the involvement of the United Kingdom in the Iraq War. In July 2002, singer George Michael infamously used it in his song "Shoot the Dog", the video of which showed Blair as a "poodle" on the lawn of the White House. However, it has a longer history as a label to criticise British Prime Ministers who are perceived to be too close to the United States.[1][2][4]