empty suit

== English == === Etymology === Derived from unfavorable observations that ineffective professionals are memorable only for their attire and not their accomplishments at the workplace. First use appears c. 1950 in the New York Times. === Pronunciation === === Noun === empty suit (plural empty suits) (slang, derogatory, idiomatic, also politics) An ineffective or incompetent person in a place of authority. Coordinate term: stuffed shirt (politics) A politician who has not fulfilled any campaign promises. ==== Derived terms ==== ==== See also ==== === References === littlegreenfootballs.com Oct 22, 2006, The Empty Suit, New York Times spokesman Barney Calame -- the widely-reviled, worthless "public editor".