chauvinism

[shoh-vuh-niz-uhm]

noun

1. zealous and aggressive patriotism or blind enthusiasm for military glory.

2. biased devotion to any group, attitude, or cause.

   religious chauvinism.

3. the denigration, disparagement, and patronization of a particular gender based on the belief that one gender is inferior to another and thus deserving of less than equal treatment or benefit.

chauvinism

/ ˈʃəʊvɪˌnɪzəm /

noun

1. aggressive or fanatical patriotism; jingoism

2. enthusiastic devotion to a cause

3. smug irrational belief in the superiority of one's own race, party, sex, etc

   male chauvinism

chauvinism

1. Exaggerated belief in the supremacy of one's nation, class, caste, or group. Chauvinism usually involves xenophobia.

The word chauvinism is often used as shorthand for “male chauvinism,” a term describing the attitudes of men who believe that women are inferior and should not be given equal status with men. (See also feminism (see also feminism).)

Other Word Forms

• chauvinistic adjective
• chauvinist noun
• chauvinistically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of chauvinism¹

First recorded in 1865–70; from French chauvinisme, equivalent to chauvin “jingo” (named after N. Chauvin, a soldier in Napoleon's army noted for loud-mouthed patriotism) + -isme -ism

Word History and Origins

Origin of chauvinism¹

C19: from French chauvinisme, after Nicolas Chauvin, legendary French soldier under Napoleon, noted for his vociferous and unthinking patriotism

Example Sentences

This is damaging in many ways, first and foremost because citizens are deprived of opportunities to see the results of ideas played out and to examine the possible outcomes of authoritarianism, isolationism, nationalism or chauvinism.

From Salon

With a few deft strokes of his pen, he could convey the quiver of self-doubt, the swagger of chauvinism, the crush of depression.

From Los Angeles Times

Mexico still has a famously intense “machismo,” or culture of male chauvinism, that has created large economic and social disparities in society.

From Seattle Times

Mr. Tate, who regularly uses various platforms to broadcast his virulent brand of male chauvinism, posted on social media Tuesday morning, “The Matrix is afraid, but I only fear God.”

From New York Times

“Turandot” has been on the receiving end of calls for revision and more for the stereotypes it perpetuates about Chinese people — such as its “dragon lady” title princess — recalling an imperialistic era of European chauvinism.

From New York Times

Related Words

• fanaticism 
• jingoism 
• nationalism