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Chauvinism Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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chauvinism

[ˈʃəʊvɪnɪz(ə)m ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

gender equality

Chauvinism refers to an extreme and unreasonable loyalty and support for a particular group, gender, or cause, often leading to prejudice and discrimination against others.

Synonyms

bias, discrimination, prejudice.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
chauvinism

This term is used for a strong and unreasonable belief that your own country, sex, or group is the best and others are inferior. It has a negative connotation.

  • His chauvinism made it difficult for others to work with him because he refused to acknowledge their ideas
bias

This word is used when someone shows a preference or inclination that prevents objective consideration of an issue or situation. It doesn't necessarily have a negative connotation.

  • The study was criticized for bias in its sample selection
prejudice

Used to describe preconceived opinions that are not based on reason or actual experience. It usually has a negative connotation and can lead to discriminatory actions.

  • Her prejudice against people from rural areas made it hard for her to work in community health
discrimination

This word is used when someone is treated unfairly based on characteristics such as race, age, gender, or religion. It has a negative connotation.

  • The company was sued for discrimination after it was found to be paying women less than men for the same work

Examples of usage

  • His chauvinism towards women prevented him from seeing their capabilities.
  • The chauvinism displayed by the political party alienated many potential supporters.
Context #2 | Noun

nationalism

Chauvinism can also refer to excessive patriotism and belief in national superiority, often accompanied by an aggressive foreign policy.

Synonyms

jingoism, nationalism, xenophobia.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
chauvinism

Chauvinism is used to describe extreme and irrational patriotism or beliefs in national superiority, often to the detriment of others. It is commonly used in a derogatory sense.

  • His chauvinism made him believe that his country was better than any other, regardless of the consequences
jingoism

Jingoism refers to extreme patriotism marked by aggressive foreign policy. It is often used when describing a belligerent or warlike nationalistic stance.

  • The leader's jingoism turned the public opinion towards supporting the war
xenophobia

Xenophobia denotes the fear or hatred of foreigners, people from different cultures, or strangers. It has a strongly negative connotation.

  • The politician's xenophobia was clear in his speeches against immigration
nationalism

Nationalism is a broader term that covers the strong belief in the interests or culture of one's nation. It can have both positive and negative connotations depending on the intensity and the context.

  • Her nationalism was evident in her efforts to preserve the cultural heritage of her country

Examples of usage

  • The country's chauvinism led to conflicts with neighboring nations.
  • His chauvinistic views on immigration sparked controversy.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Sociology

  • It can lead to discrimination, where individuals from one group may unfairly treat those from different groups.
  • Many studies show that chauvinistic attitudes are prevalent in various societies, influencing gender roles and politics.

Literature

  • Chauvinism has been a common theme in literature, often critiqued in works that explore the roles of gender and national identity.
  • Authors like Virginia Woolf addressed chauvinistic attitudes in their writing, advocating for women's rights.

Psychology

  • People who exhibit chauvinistic behaviors can be influenced by societal norms and upbringing.
  • It is often linked to insecurities, where individuals bolster their self-esteem by putting others down.

Pop Culture

  • Films and television often depict chauvinistic characters to highlight social issues, with a comedic or serious approach.
  • The contrast between chauvinism and progressive values has led to significant discussions in popular media today.

Origin of 'chauvinism'

Main points about word origin

  • The term originated from the name Nicolas Chauvin, a French soldier known for his extreme patriotism.
  • First used in the early 1900s, it began as a reference to excessive pride in one's country.

The term 'chauvinism' originated from the French soldier Nicolas Chauvin, known for his excessive patriotism and loyalty to Napoleon Bonaparte. Originally used to describe extreme nationalism, it later expanded to encompass other forms of excessive loyalty and bias.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,183, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.