Nancy Pelosi: The End of an Era and a Legacy of Language

Fri Nov 07 2025 02:32:09 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As she prepares to exit the House, Nancy Pelosi's unique expressions, known as 'Pelosi-isms,' highlight her impactful leadership and continue to resonate within political discourse.

In her farewell from Congress, Nancy Pelosi reflects on her linguistic legacy as the first woman to serve as Speaker of the House, sharing her 'Pelosi-isms' that have shaped her career. As the Democratic Party navigates a turbulent landscape, her words remind us of the importance of unity, determination, and the power of language in politics.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Nancy Pelosi is concluding her historic career in the U.S. House, leaving behind a lasting linguistic legacy. The phrases she coined, termed 'Pelosi-isms', have not only characterized her leadership style but also influenced political conversations nationwide.

During her announcement not to seek re-election, Pelosi urged her constituents, 'Know your power,' showcasing her commitment to empowering others even as she steps away from the congressional stage. The Democratic Party is currently in a state of flux, hungry for strong leadership while grappling with challenges posed by President Donald Trump.

As Pelosi, 85, embarks on her final year in Congress, her words serve as guideposts for future leaders. In a summer interview with The Associated Press, she emphasized the significance of understanding one's motivation for entering politics.

‘Know your why’

Pelosi remarked, 'That’s very important,' recalling her own motive behind running for Congress was the grave issue of child poverty in America. She maintained that politics is a tough arena, especially for women, and success hinges on knowing your purpose.

‘Throw a punch — for the children’

Drawing inspiration from Theodore Roosevelt’s famed speech 'The Man in the Arena', she adapted the phrase to assert that being political active means being prepared for battle, especially when it comes to advocating for children's rights.

‘Diversity is our strength. Unity is our power.’

Pelosi has long championed the idea of unity among diversity, emphasizing that while the House reflects the nation's many voices, collective effort is essential for achieving meaningful goals.

‘Don’t agonize, organize’

This phrase, popularized by activist Florynce ‘Flo’ Kennedy, has resonated through Pelosi's efforts in advocating for significant reforms, including during recent elections in California.

‘Treat everyone as a friend, but know who your friends are’

This wisdom, passed down from the late Rep. Lindy Boggs, reflects Pelosi’s strategy in building alliances and seeking support within Congress.

‘E Pluribus Unum’

Drawing on the nation's motto, Pelosi remains focused on the unity within the Democratic Party, urging members to prove their resilience.

‘Recreate to recreate…’

Pelosi encourages taking time for renewal, preparing for the ongoing political battles, even acknowledging her own need to practice self-care amidst a demanding career.