Sleaze is a

euphemism A euphemism ( ) is when an expression that could offend or imply something unpleasant is replaced with one that is agreeable or inoffensive. Some euphemisms are intended to amuse, while others use bland, inoffensive terms for concepts that the u ...

used in the

United Kingdom The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom (UK) or Britain, is a country in Northwestern Europe, off the coast of European mainland, the continental mainland. It comprises England, Scotlan ...

for

political corruption Political corruption is the use of powers by government officials or their network contacts for illegitimate private gain. Forms of corruption vary but can include bribery, lobbying, extortion, cronyism, nepotism, parochialism, patronage, influen ...

. The term gained prominence during the late 1980s and early 1990s, particularly in relation to political scandals involving members of Parliament, especially when the media considered it socially unacceptable to directly accuse politicians of corruption. It was during this time that the British media began using "sleaze" to describe allegations of bribery, corruption, and inappropriate behavior among politicians. The term became firmly entrenched in the public lexicon, often invoked during periods of political controversy.

References

Euphemisms Political corruption Politics of the United Kingdom {{UK-poli-stub