crony
UK[ˈkrəʊni]US[ˈkroʊni]
n
A close friend or companion, often implying a long-standing relationship.
n
(Often used in a disapproving way) A friend or associate, especially one involved in dishonest or corrupt practices.
Etymology
The word 'crony' originates from the Greek word 'khronios', meaning 'long-lasting', which itself derives from 'khronos', meaning 'time'. It was adopted into 17th-century Cambridge University slang as 'crony' to mean 'old friend' or 'contemporary', directly playing on the idea of a friendship that has endured over a long time. This academic slang term then passed into general use, retaining its core sense of a long-standing companion. Over time, particularly in the 20th century, it developed a strong negative connotation, especially in the phrase 'crony capitalism', where it implies a close associate favored for dishonest gain rather than merit, a meaning shift influenced by the perception of such relationships as exclusive and corrupt.
Analysis
The word 'crony' is a simplex loanword. It entered English as a whole unit from Greek via university slang, and its components are not productively separable in modern English spelling.
Examples
He went to the pub with a few of his old cronies.
The mayor was accused of awarding contracts to his political cronies.
They've been cronies since their first day at university.