card-carrying

Proudly holding membership

Card-carrying describes someone who is an official, committed member of an organization—originally referring to the membership cards issued by political parties, unions, and clubs.

The phrase gained prominence during Cold War accusations of Communist Party membership: a card-carrying Communist.

Now it often emphasizes authentic commitment to any identity or belief: a card-carrying feminist, a card-carrying member of the ACLU.

Sometimes used ironically for unofficial affiliations: a card-carrying introvert.

certified

bona fide

Authentic and sincere

authenticVerified as original
genuineTruly what it claims
legitimateConforming to accepted standards

official · documented · credentialed · verified · recognized · accredited · confirmed · undeniable · unmistakable · quintessential

devoted

committed

Firmly pledged or bound

dedicatedWholly committed to something
staunchFirmly loyal, unyielding
ardentIntensely enthusiastic or devoted

zealous · fervent · diehard · true-blue · passionate · unwavering · loyal · steadfast · faithful · wholehearted

membership

member

One who belongs

enrolledFormally registered as participant
registeredFormally recorded or enrolled
affiliatedFormally linked or connected

partisan · party · union · organization · subscriber · signatory · inducted · initiated · joined · belonging

Opposites

commitment level

card-carryingnominal

In designation only

casual · lukewarm · halfhearted · in name only · fair-weather

authenticity of membership

card-carryingself-proclaimed

Declared without outside validation

so-called · pretend · wannabe · pseudo · ersatz

Family

carry, card, cards, carrier, carrying, carried, carries, carded, miscarry

Familiarity: Top 200,000
Profile: Timeless · Everyday, not technical · Rated G