chauvinism
SHOH-vuh-niz-um
/ˈʃoʊvɪnɪzəm/
Exaggerated or aggressive patriotism; excessive or blind loyalty to a particular group or cause.
While originally about nationalism, it is now most commonly used in the phrase 'male chauvinism' (the belief in male superiority).
The story behind the word. Nicolas Chauvin was a legendary soldier in Napoleon's army who was so fanatically devoted to the Emperor—even after Napoleon's defeat—that he became a laughingstock. His name became synonymous with 'blind, absurd loyalty.'
Word relationships
- jingoism: Jingoism is specifically aggressive, warlike foreign policy; chauvinism is a broader sense of group superiority.
- egalitarianism: The belief in the equality of all people.
Commonly confused with
- patriotism: Patriotism is love of country; chauvinism is the belief that your country (or group) is better than all others.
Word family
- chauvinist (noun): A person displaying aggressive or exaggerated patriotism or group loyalty.
- chauvinistic (adjective): Feeling or displaying aggressive or exaggerated patriotism.
Collocations
- male chauvinism
- nationalistic chauvinism
- blind chauvinism
Example sentences
- "Chauvinism is the most virulent form of nationalism, where love for one's country turns into hatred for others." Political Philosophy
- "The 1970s saw a massive cultural pushback against the casual chauvinism prevalent in the workplace." Social History
Memory hook
Chauvinism sounds like 'shouting-ism'—someone shouting that their group is the best. The soldier who won't stop cheering for a lost cause.
When not to use
Do not use it to mean simple pride; it implies a sense of superiority and often hostility toward others.
Fun facts
- Nicolas Chauvin may have been a fictional character created for French plays to mock old-fashioned soldiers.
Related words
Explore more words
nationalism, partisan, allegiance, arrogant, vainglorious, heroism
Also appears in
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