The term emerged during Bolsonaro's 2018 presidential campaign.[4] It is often used by critics to describe his supporters, while some supporters reject the term, viewing it as derogatory and arguing it misrepresents their motivations, which include addressing corruption, supporting traditional family values, advocating free-market economics, and strengthening law enforcement measures.[5] Analysts note that the term's use reflects Brazil's political polarisation, where rhetorical terms are employed by various groups to frame political opponents.[6]
The term "bolsominion" is usually invoked in critical or humorous contexts to describe individuals portrayed as ardent backers of Bolsonaro's leadership and agenda, often associated with conservative and populist principles.[7] Detractors depict such supporters as aligned with far-right positions, including advocacy of greater military influence in governance, opposition to progressive social policies, and support for conservative norms in education, ethics, and public safety.[8] Proponents counter that such portrayals overlook the movement's emphasis on national sovereignty, economic reform, and anti-establishment sentiment against entrenched political elites.
In digital discussions, exchanges of political insults between Bolsonaro's allies and opponents are frequent. Supporters may use terms such as "esquerdopata" ("pathological leftist") to denounce rivals, while critics respond with "direitopata" ("pathological rightist").[9] Commentators have also noted affinities between parts of Bolsonaro's constituency and the base of former U.S. president Donald Trump, citing shared populist themes.[10]
Many in the movement prefer self-identifiers such as "bolsonaristas" or "patriots," rejecting "bolsominion" as a construct of mainstream media used to disparage their patriotic motivations.[11] Surveys suggest Bolsonaro continues to command significant popular support, highlighting the resilience of his platform despite ongoing controversies.[12]
Usage and cultural impact
The term has appeared in political commentary and popular media. In 2019, federal deputy Eduardo Bolsonaro hosted a Despicable Me Minions-themed birthday party, which media outlets interpreted as a playful reference to the "bolsominion" label.[13]
After Bolsonaro's presidency, the term continued to surface in coverage of events such as the 2023 Brasília protests, where demonstrators contested alleged electoral irregularities.[14] Critics employ it to frame such mobilisation as extremist, while defenders argue it illustrates media bias against conservative voices.[15]
Silveira, Letícia Pena (2018). "Memes: a ostentação de neologismos e uma ferramenta de ensino". Revista GTLex. 4 (1): 79–97. doi:10.14393/Lex7-v4n1a2018-5. ISSN2447-9551. Dessa forma, um bolsominion seria aquela pessoa que é servo, criado de Bolsonaro, aquele que o apoia e a todas as suas ações. Nesse caso, considera-se cruzamento lexical por hibridismo pelo fato de haver a junção de uma palavra do vernáculo e outra do inglês.
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