NYT Mini Crossword: ___ of personality

The Complete Phrase

The answer CULT completes the well-known phrase "cult of personality" - a term describing excessive public adoration of a political leader, celebrity, or public figure, often created and maintained through mass media manipulation and propaganda.

Historical Context

The term gained prominence in the 20th century to describe the phenomenon of political leaders who cultivated an almost god-like public image. Notable examples include:

• Joseph Stalin (Soviet Union)
• Mao Zedong (China)
• Kim Il-sung (North Korea)
• François Duvalier (Haiti)

Modern Usage

Today, "cult of personality" extends beyond politics to describe intense fan worship of celebrities, social media influencers, and business leaders like Elon Musk or Steve Jobs, where personal charisma and public image overshadow actual achievements.

"CULT" - From Worship to Criticism

The word cult comes from Latin cultus, meaning "care, cultivation, worship," originally neutral in connotation. It described religious devotion and ritual practice. In the 20th century, the term acquired negative associations, particularly when used in "cult of personality" to describe manufactured political worship.

Linguistic Evolution

The transformation from neutral religious term to critical political tool demonstrates how language evolves with social and political contexts. Originally describing any system of religious veneration, "cult" now typically suggests excessive, irrational devotion to a person or idea.