Meaning
Politics reframed as trickery — the deceit, empty promises, and manipulation of politicians. The word puns on 'politics' as 'poli-tricks', many tricks, sharpening a deep, weary distrust of the political class into the very name for what they do, and a 'politrickster' is a scheming, double-dealing politician. Popularised through reggae's long, critical eye on power and 'Babylon', it captures the widespread feeling that politics is a game of cunning and betrayal played at the people's expense.
Examples
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A pure politricks dem a play.
It's nothing but political trickery they're playing.
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Di politrickster promise an never deliver.
The scheming politician promised and never delivered.
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Nuh get fool by di politricks.
Don't get fooled by the political trickery.
Origin
A Rastafari and reggae coinage blending 'politics' with 'tricks'; popularised by Peter Tosh, who declared 'politics' to be 'poli-tricks'.
How it’s used
A pointed, cynical word for political deceit, common in conscious reggae and everyday complaint about broken promises.