u/Bruh081817463 - originally fromr/GenZhou
It originates from british communists using the term against those british communists who supported the ussr using force to crush the 1956 Hungarian (counter)revolution.
Since then it has lost most of its meaning. It is an insult usually used when calling someone on the left “aurhoritarian”. Mostly used by anarchists against MLs, but in no way is that the only usage it gets. I have even heard it said against anarchists by other anarchists.
Some people self identify as tankies “reclaiming” the word to mean someone who is anti imperialist, supports modern day china, etc.
u/Bruh081817463 - originally from r/GenZhouIt originates from british communists using the term against those british communists who supported the ussr using force to crush the 1956 Hungarian (counter)revolution.
Since then it has lost most of its meaning. It is an insult usually used when calling someone on the left “aurhoritarian”. Mostly used by anarchists against MLs, but in no way is that the only usage it gets. I have even heard it said against anarchists by other anarchists.
Some people self identify as tankies “reclaiming” the word to mean someone who is anti imperialist, supports modern day china, etc.