carpetbagger UK /ˈkɑːpɪtˌbaɡə/US /ˈkɑɹpɪtˌbæɡɚ/ noun2 •(US, offensive) A migrant from the Northern to the Southern States after the American Civil War of 1861–5, especially one who went South to gain political influence.“You are way behind the times,” he said. “There is no Klan in Atlanta now. Probably not in Georgia. You’ve been listening to the Klan outrage stories of your Scallawag and Carpetbagger friends.” — 1936 •(disapproving) One who comes to a place or organisation with which they have no previous connection with the sole or primary aim of personal gain, especially political or financial gain. formscarpetbaggers
