pregnant chad

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The term "pregnant chad" comes from the context of voting and ballots, specifically in the United States. Let's break it down for a new English learner.

Definition

• Pregnant Chad (noun): This is a type of ballot (a paper used for voting) that has been partially punched out, meaning that the voter has made a mark to indicate their choice, but the ballot is not completely separated from the paper. All four corners of the piece of paper are still attached, which means it's not fully "punched" or removed.

Usage Instructions

• You would typically use "pregnant chad" when discussing voting issues, especially in situations where there might be confusion about how votes were cast. It’s a specific term used mainly in the context of elections.

Example

• "During the election recount, officials had to decide whether to count the pregnant chads as valid votes."

Advanced Usage

• The term "pregnant chad" gained attention during the 2000 U.S. presidential election, particularly in Florida, where many ballots had issues with how votes were registered. It can be used in discussions about voting technology and election integrity.

Word Variants

• There are no direct variants of "pregnant chad," but it is often discussed alongside other terms related to voting and ballots, such as:
  • Chad: The small piece of paper that is punched out when using a punch card ballot.
  • Dimpled Chad: A chad that is pressed but not fully punched out.

Different Meanings

• Outside of voting, "pregnant" usually refers to a woman carrying a developing baby. "Chad" can refer to any small piece of waste paper, particularly from hole-punching.

Synonyms

• While "pregnant chad" is a specific term, you might see it referred to in less technical terms as:
  • "Partially punched ballot"
  • "Hanging chad" (though this refers to a slightly different situation where the chad is still attached but hanging loosely)

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

• There aren’t specific idioms or phrasal verbs related to "pregnant chad," but in discussions about voting, you might hear phrases like:
  • "Count every vote": Emphasizing the importance of considering all votes in an election, including those with issues like pregnant chads.

Summary

"Pregnant chad" is a technical term used in discussions about voting to describe a ballot that is partially punched but still attached.

Academic

Noun

1. a chad that has been punched or dimpled but all four corners are still attached

Synonyms

• dimpled chad
• dimple