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Chauvinistic: meaning, definitions and examples

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chauvinistic

 

[ˌʃoʊ.vɪˈnɪs.tɪk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

behavior

showing excessive or prejudiced loyalty or support for one's own cause, group, or gender, typically at the expense of others.

Synonyms

biased, patriarchal, sexist.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
chauvinistic

Use when describing an exaggerated patriotism or belief in the superiority of one's own group, particularly in the context of gender or nationality. Often has a negative connotation.

  • His chauvinistic remarks about women in the workplace were offensive to many
sexist

Best used when describing discrimination or devaluation based on someone's sex or gender. It generally carries a strong negative connotation.

  • Her sexist comments about men’s capabilities in parenting shocked everyone at the meeting
biased

Appropriate when indicating an unfair preference or prejudice for or against something or someone.

  • The judge was removed from the case because he was biased against the defendant
patriarchal

Used for describing a societal or familial structure where men hold the power and women are largely excluded. Often used in sociological contexts.

  • The village had a patriarchal structure where women had little say in communal decisions

Examples of usage

  • He was often criticized for his chauvinistic remarks towards women.
  • The company's chauvinistic policies led to a decrease in diversity within the workplace.
Context #2 | Adjective

attitude

characterized by a belief in the superiority of one's own gender.

Synonyms

male chauvinist, misogynistic.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
chauvinistic

Used to describe excessive and aggressive patriotism or a fervent belief in the superiority of one's own group, often in a nationalistic sense. It can be used more broadly to describe any blind, aggressive belief in the superiority of one group over another.

  • His chauvinistic attitude towards foreigners made him difficult to work with.
  • The campaign had a chauvinistic tone, emphasizing national pride to an unhealthy extreme.
misogynistic

This word is used to describe a dislike of, contempt for, or ingrained prejudice against women. It often refers to actions, behavior, or policies that discriminate against women.

  • The movie was criticized for its misogynistic portrayal of female characters.
  • His comments were misogynistic and deeply offensive.
male chauvinist

Specifically refers to a man who believes that men are superior to women. It is often used in discussions about gender discrimination and sexism.

  • She quit her job because her boss was a male chauvinist who didn’t respect her opinions.
  • His male chauvinist views made it hard for him to accept women in leadership roles.

Examples of usage

  • His chauvinistic attitude made it difficult for him to work with female colleagues.
  • The movie portrayed a chauvinistic society where women were seen as inferior.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term originates from the name of Nicolas Chauvin, a zealous French soldier known for his aggressive nationalism during the Napoleonic Wars.
  • It first appeared in the French language but was later adopted into English to describe extreme pride in one’s group, often linked to negative bias against others.

Cultural Context

  • The concept is frequently discussed in relation to gender, where it signifies attitudes that promote male superiority over females.
  • Media representation often highlights chauvinistic attitudes in popular culture, demonstrating the ongoing societal challenges related to inequality.

Psychology

  • Chauvinistic behaviors can stem from a need for dominance or insecurity, often manifesting as a way to reinforce one's identity by belittling others.
  • Studies suggest that individuals in chauvinistic environments may struggle with empathy, affecting their relationships and social interactions.

Literature

  • In literature, characters embodying chauvinistic traits often serve as antagonists, representing societal issues and allowing readers to explore themes of equality and justice.
  • Classic novels frequently critique chauvinism, prompting discussions about personal and societal responsibility toward inclusivity.

Pop Culture

  • Chauvinism often appears as a theme in films, with characters exhibiting excessive patriotism or group loyalty that leads to conflict.
  • Stand-up comedians and writers use satire to point out and challenge chauvinistic attitudes in society, making audiences reflect on their own beliefs.

Translations

Translations of the word "chauvinistic" in other languages:

🇵🇹 chauvinista

🇮🇳 अंधराष्ट्रवादी

🇩🇪 chauvinistisch

🇮🇩 chauvinis

🇺🇦 шовіністичний

🇵🇱 szowinistyczny

🇯🇵 ショーヴィニスティック

🇫🇷 chauvin

🇪🇸 chovinista

🇹🇷 şovenist

🇰🇷 쇼비니스트

🇸🇦 شوفيني

🇨🇿 šovinistický

🇸🇰 šovinistický

🇨🇳 沙文主义的

🇸🇮 šovinističen

🇮🇸 þjóðremba

🇰🇿 шовинистік

🇬🇪 შოვინისტური

🇦🇿 şovinist

🇲🇽 chovinista

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,366 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.