ultraleft
nounEtymology
Ultimately a calque of Russian ультралевый (ulʹtralevyj, “ultraleft”, adjective), in the sense of "pertaining to extreme or uncompromising leftist ideology." From ультра- (ulʹtra-, “ultra; extremely”) + левый (levyj, “left”, adjective), equivalent to ultra- + left. Originally applied pejoratively by the Bolsheviks against libertarian socialists and early left communists, and later by Stalinists against Trotskyists; now also used neutrally to refer to certain ideologies associated with left communism or traditional Marxism. The modern meanings are partially semantically loaned from French ultra-gauche.
Collective, Usually The strain or strains of leftism often associated with left communism, which practice rejection of both social democracy and state socialism as well as opposition to Leninism; i.e, ultraleftism.
Usually The left communist tendency characterized by a synthesis of Dutch-German council communism and Italian left communism.
Broadly, Usually Italian left communism; Bordigism.
Derogatory, Usually Leftism collectively considered uncompromising and sectarian, especially anti-Leninist Marxism.
Rare, Usually An adherent of ultraleftism.
Usually The most extreme ideologies of the political left.
- Derived terms
- ultraleftism, ultraleftist
- Related terms
- left communism