quisling

"It's hard to tell whom the sheik loathes more—Al Qaeda or Sunni politicians like Hashemi, who he describes as venal quislings."
—Nisid Hajari, "After the 'Surge'," Newsweek, July 28, 2008

Yep. It's a "worse than it sounds" word to me.

I think it's adorable, but I do have a thing for qu- words. I think the "-ling" ending (as in "Earthling") makes it a little cuter. But then, if you have known its meaning for a long time and don't constantly forget it (like I do), I can see how it's not a nice word at all.

good one, yarb. It's a word that leaves me quizzical.

Agreed, rolig. It's a quease-making word.

I'm afraid I can't really see the charm in this word (as roseandivy does) unless you just have a thing for Q words.

Wow. I clicked on this word to see what the hell it means. I guess I had a clue a year ago. *puzzled*

Thanks for the additional detail, rolig!

From the name of Major Vidkun Quisling (1887–1945), the Norwegian army officer and diplomat who ruled Norway on behalf of the German occupying forces from 1940 to 1945.

What an awful meaning for such a charming word.

A traitor to one's country, a collaborationist, esp. during the war of 1939-45.