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Chauvinist Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ‘จ๐Ÿปโ€๐ŸŽ“
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chauvinist

[หˆสƒoสŠvษชnษชst ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

gender equality

A person displaying excessive or prejudiced loyalty or support for a particular gender, often believed to be superior to the other.

Synonyms

male chauvinist, misogynist, sexist.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
chauvinist

Used to describe someone who has an excessive or prejudiced loyalty to their own group, often with a condescending attitude towards others.

  • His views on nationalism made him seem like a total chauvinist.
  • Her chauvinist attitude towards other departments caused tension in the team.
sexist

A term for someone who discriminates based on gender, often believing one gender is superior to another. It can apply to either gender but is most commonly applied to discrimination against women.

  • His sexist jokes were offensive to everyone in the room.
  • The policy was deemed sexist as it unfairly targeted female employees.
male chauvinist

Specifically used to refer to a man who believes men are superior to women. Often used to describe discriminatory or sexist behavior.

  • John's comments about women's driving skills revealed his male chauvinist mindset.
  • The male chauvinist attitudes in the workplace were discouraging for the female employees.
misogynist

A very negative and strong term used to describe someone who hates or has a deep prejudice against women. It is more severe than 'sexist'.

  • The novel portrayed the villain as a true misogynist, showing his disbelief in women's capabilities.
  • Her misogynist remarks were shocking and uncalled for.

Examples of usage

  • He was often criticized for his chauvinist remarks about women.
  • The manager's chauvinist attitude created a hostile work environment for female employees.
Context #2 | Noun

nationality

A person displaying excessive patriotism and belief in national superiority.

Synonyms

jingoist, nationalist, patriot.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
chauvinist

Use this when describing someone who strongly believes in the superiority of their own country, gender, or group to the point of being prejudiced against others. It often has a negative connotation.

  • He's such a chauvinist, always belittling anyone who disagrees with him.
  • Her chauvinist views make it hard to have a reasonable conversation with her.
jingoist

This word is used to describe someone who is extremely patriotic to the point of favoring aggressive or warlike foreign policy. It has a negative tone, suggesting excessive or fanatical patriotism.

  • The politician's jingoist rhetoric stirred up nationalistic fervor among the crowd.
  • He's known for his jingoist attitude, always pushing for military action.
nationalist

This term refers to someone who strongly identifies with and supports their nation, sometimes at the expense of valuing other nations or groups. It's often neutral but can be negative if it implies exclusion or bigotry.

  • The nationalist movement gained momentum after the controversial election.
  • As a nationalist, she believes that her country should be prioritized above all others.
patriot

This word is generally positive and is used to describe someone who loves and supports their country. Unlike 'nationalist' or 'jingoist,' it doesn't necessarily imply superiority over other countries.

  • Heโ€™s a true patriot, always looking for ways to help his community and country.
  • The story of the young patriot who risked everything for freedom has inspired many.

Examples of usage

  • The politician's chauvinist rhetoric fueled nationalist sentiments.
  • His chauvinist views on foreign policy were widely criticized.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Society and Culture

  • Chauvinism is often linked to sexism, where someone believes their gender is superior to the other.
  • The term has been expanded to include various forms of bias, such as racial or cultural chauvinism.
  • In contemporary discussions, it often arises in debates about gender equality and social justice.

Psychology

  • Chauvinist attitudes can stem from social conditioning, where individuals are taught to value their own group above others.
  • Research indicates that people with chauvinistic tendencies may have lower self-esteem, leading them to inflate their group's status.
  • Such beliefs can result in group polarization, where individuals become more extreme in their opinions when surrounded by like-minded people.

Literature

  • Chauvinism is a recurring theme in literary works, often critiqued in novels tackling social issues, such as gender roles.
  • Many feminist writers have examined chauvinist attitudes, using them to highlight inequalities and advocate for change.
  • Famous plays, including 'A Midsummer Night's Dream,' reflect themes of chauvinism through character interactions.

History

  • Chauvinism was particularly prominent during the World Wars, where extreme nationalist feelings were common.
  • In various movements, such as suffrage and civil rights, opposition to chauvinistic views led to significant societal shifts.
  • Historical texts often document how chauvinistic attitudes shaped policies and societal norms across different cultures.

Origin of 'chauvinist'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the name Nicolas Chauvin, a French soldier known for his excessive patriotism after the Napoleonic Wars.
  • Its use became popular in the 19th century to describe extreme nationalists and has evolved to include gender biases.
  • The word was first likened to someone who blindly supports their country, not seeing its flaws.

The term 'chauvinist' originated from the French soldier Nicolas Chauvin, who was known for his extreme patriotism and loyalty to Napoleon Bonaparte. Over time, the term evolved to represent excessive loyalty or support for a particular gender or nationality, often to the detriment of others. The negative connotations associated with chauvinism have led to increased awareness and efforts towards gender and cultural equality.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,653 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.