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Jingo Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ
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jingo

[หˆdส’ษชล‹ษกษ™สŠ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

politics

A person who professes his or her patriotism loudly and excessively, favoring an aggressive or warlike foreign policy; bellicose nationalist.

Synonyms

chauvinist, hawk, militarist.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
jingo

Used to describe someone who is extremely patriotic to the point of being aggressive and warlike. It often has a negative connotation.

  • The politician was labeled a jingo for his constant promotion of war
chauvinist

Refers to someone who believes their country or group is superior to others. This term has a negative connotation and is often used to criticize blind patriotism.

  • His comments were dismissed as those of a chauvinist who couldn't see beyond his own country's interests
hawk

Describes someone who supports aggressive or warlike policies, particularly in politics. Often used in political discussions to differentiate between those who are more inclined to use military power versus those who are more peaceful ('doves').

  • The senator is known as a hawk, always pushing for a stronger military presence abroad
militarist

Refers to someone who advocates for a strong military and believes that military force is an effective solution for conflicts. This term can be neutral or negative depending on the context.

  • The general was a renowned militarist, believing that peace was best achieved through strength

Examples of usage

  • He was known for his jingoistic speeches against the neighboring country.
  • The politician's jingoism led to tensions with other countries.
Context #2 | Noun

history

A supporter of a warlike foreign policy; a person who promotes or advocates war as a solution to international disputes.

Synonyms

aggressor, belligerent, warmonger.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
jingo

Use when describing someone who is extremely patriotic, especially in a way that advocates for aggressive foreign policy.

  • He was known as a jingo, always pushing for military action over diplomacy.
  • Her jingoistic speeches stirred feelings of nationalism among the crowd.
warmonger

Use when describing someone who promotes or advocates for war, often seen in a negative light.

  • He was often labeled a warmonger for his constant calls for military intervention.
  • The leader's warmonger stance caused widespread fear and instability.
aggressor

Use when referring to a person or a country that initiates conflict or attack.

  • The country acted as the aggressor, launching an unprovoked attack on its neighbor.
  • In any fight, the aggressor is typically seen as the one who starts the confrontation.
belligerent

Use when describing someone who is combative, hostile, or engaged in warfare. This can refer to individuals or groups at war.

  • Her belligerent attitude made it difficult for the team to reach a consensus.
  • The belligerent nations were unwilling to negotiate a peace treaty.

Examples of usage

  • The jingoes called for military intervention in the conflict.
  • The jingoistic rhetoric stirred up nationalist sentiments.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Political History

  • The term gained popularity during the Spanish-American War in 1898, highlighting the fervent support for U.S. intervention.
  • Jingoism has often been associated with the advocating for aggressive foreign policies, particularly during times of conflict.
  • It has been used to criticize those who promote warlike attitudes without considering the consequences.

Literature

  • Writers like George Bernard Shaw critiqued jingoistic attitudes, showcasing their impact on European conflicts in works like 'Arms and the Man'.
  • The term appears in various literary contexts to illustrate characters who blindly support their governmentโ€™s military actions.
  • Jingoism often serves as a backdrop in dystopian literature, warning against extreme nationalism leading to oppression.

Modern Usage

  • In contemporary discourse, 'jingo' can refer to individuals or media that promote nationalism, especially during political campaigns.
  • The internet has given rise to 'jingoistic' memes, where extreme patriotism is presented humorously or critically.
  • 'Jingoism' is frequently discussed in the context of global politics, particularly regarding immigration and international relations.

Psychology

  • Studies suggest that strong national identification can lead to jingoistic behavior, often driven by fear of outsiders and the unknown.
  • Jingoism can invoke a sense of belonging or community among like-minded individuals, sometimes overshadowing logical reasoning.
  • Cognitive biases, such as in-group favoritism, often fuel jingoistic sentiments, leading to exclusionary or aggressive attitudes toward others.

Origin of 'jingo'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'jingo' originated from a British music hall song in the late 19th century, where the phrase 'by jingo' was used to show excitement.
  • 'Jingoism' as a concept emerged during the Russo-Turkish War and was linked to nationalistic enthusiasm in Britain.
  • The word reflects a time when imperialism in Britain was celebrated, showing strong support for military action abroad.

The term 'jingo' originated in the United Kingdom in the 1870s as a derogatory label for supporters of aggressive foreign policy, particularly in relation to the British Empire. It is believed to have been derived from a popular British music hall song that featured the refrain 'We don't want to fight but by jingo if we do, We've got the ships, we've got the men, we've got the money too.' Over time, 'jingo' came to represent a chauvinistic and bellicose form of nationalism.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,755, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.