This word was used a lot twenty years ago. I had friends who described themselves as staunch conservatives or staunch advocates of political correctness or many other political or rights-based things.
Did this word go out of vogue? I don’t hear it much in Canada. Too overused before? Not good enough at distinguishing between supporters of more or less polarizing politicians?
Where did this word come from?
Does it describe you in any way?
I’m somewhat of a writer and know the word but can’t remember the last time I used it or said it. It may have gone out of favor over the past 50 years, but I have no idea why. I’m a staunch progressive.
It has this connotation that I don’t like. I looked up a definition, and I suspect it’s the “loyal” part. To me, being loyal to a cause implies I would stick with it even if I had reason not to, which seems dumb.
I would tend to more describe myself as an “avid” or "fervent supporter of things, rather than a “staunch” one.
Google Ngrams doesn’t show much change over the last 50 years, and even a slight increase over the last 20 years.
As to the etymology of the word, St. Aunch of Valencia (1350-1419) is the patron saint of construction workers, thus through erroneous transcription “staunch construction”. His work to rebuild or re-edify the Papacy is what led to his status as the patron saint of builders.
In politics, economics, social issues. I have never been staunch to one side. I feel that there are best solutions that can be taken from all sides in correct amount. I have voted to several sides at different times at different locations that I have lived, as well as nationally. I do not want to shackle myself in some staunch identity in such a varied and changing world.
Can’t you also staunch the bleeding?
You usually stanch the bleeding, but the words are related. (I was looking it up while you were typing because I wasn’t sure.)
Staunch can also mean watertight or sound.
‘Staunch’ in Aussie slang is a verb that means something like posing at or fronting up to someone to start a (physical) fight. I don’t know where that meaning came from, but it’s the first one that came to mind. I don’t do it, no.
Something similar happened in the case of St. Anky, the patron saint of mass-produced budget-friendly beer.
And St. Retch, the patron saint of exaggeration.
To me this is a perfectly current English word, to be used in the proper context. I just heard it used today in a Scottish Youtuber’s video posted earlier this year. He described an historical personage as “a staunch Jacobite”.
As an activist for children’s and youth rights, I would describe myself as a staunch child liberationist. There’s probably other causes/ideas/attitudes I support strongly enough for me to call myself staunch about them.
And St. Abby, patron saint of the irritated and annoyed.
“Staunch” to me, in the political meaning, brings an image of someone with arms folded, unwavering in support of a cause or person. The usage somewhat defensive: “I am a staunch supporter of XXX, so don’t mess with me”. Me? I am not a staunch anything, except maybe a staunch avoider of St. Anky’s beer.
I am a staunch independent. I am inherently wary of large groups of like-minded people, maybe something to do with a low-level anxiety of being discovered (by them) to not think/feel, with sufficient passion or conformity, the way they all do. I don’t foresee ever joining a political association of any kind, or participating in any sort of overt protest/demonstration. I participate in light discussion and debate with friends and with strangers on the internet, and I vote, but that’s about the extent of my political activity/interest.