The term quisling is a humorous synonym for traitor, particularly in reference to individuals who collaborate with an invading army. It originates from Vidkun Quisling, a key collaborator in Nazi Germany’s puppet government in Norway. The term was first introduced in an April 1940 article in the London Times titled “Quislings Everywhere”, which described it as a gift from the gods for writers seeking a new word to describe traitors. Its aural qualities suggest something slippery and deceitful, making it a popular choice for denouncing betrayal. The term has since been widely adopted, appearing in various forms of media such as Looney Tunes cartoons and Irish nationalist songs. It has even led to the creation of the verb quisle. Quisling’s name itself means “one from Kvislemark”, a small town in Denmark.
