queenmaker means someone who has strong influence over the choice of a female leader. Lexicurio rates it Sui generis — a strength score of 90 out of 100.
Why “queenmaker” is a great word
QUEENMAKER — [Noun] A person who uses their influence to secure the selection or appointment of a woman to a position of high authority, especially a political leadership role. From queen (a female monarch) + maker (one who creates or influences). Modelled after the earlier term kingmaker, which dates to the 15th century in reference to Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick. Unlike "kingmaker" (which specifically denotes influence over a male succession) or "power broker" (a general, genderless term for a backstage influencer), a queenmaker’s craft is both an act of patronage and a political statement. It is the hushed conference in a wood-panelled antechamber, the deft placement of a favorable profile in the media, the strategic withdrawal of a rival to clear a singular path—the architectural work of constructing a throne where, historically, none was meant to stand.
Etymology
From queen + maker. Modelled after kingmaker.
noun
- Someone who has strong influence over the choice of a female leader.““The fact is that the unpledged delegate group was added not to be kingmakers or queenmakers but simply to give each state a few extra slots without having to sign in blood for a presidential candidate or run against their own constituents,” he said.”