Jingoistic: meaning, definitions and examples

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jingoistic

 

[ˌdʒɪŋɡoʊˈɪstɪk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

politics

Characterized by extreme patriotism, especially in the form of aggressive or warlike foreign policy.

Synonyms

chauvinistic, militant, nationalistic.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
jingoistic

Typically used to describe someone who shows extreme, aggressive nationalism coupled with a belligerent foreign policy. It has a negative connotation.

  • The leader's jingoistic speech rallied the crowd with promises of military action against neighboring countries.
  • The newspaper's jingoistic editorials pushed for war despite opposition from peace advocates.
nationalistic

Used to describe someone who has strong patriotic feelings, especially to the point of supporting their country’s interests against other nations. This term can be neutral or slightly negative depending on the intensity and context.

  • The nationalistic movement gained popularity among people who felt their culture was being eroded by global influences.
  • His nationalistic views led him to prioritize policies that benefited his country over international cooperation.
chauvinistic

Often used to refer to someone with an exaggerated, aggressive patriotism or a belief in the superiority of their nation or sex. It also has a negative connotation.

  • His chauvinistic attitude made it difficult for him to accept any form of criticism about his country.
  • The club was known for its chauvinistic culture, where members openly expressed disdain for other nations and women.
militant

Describes someone who is combative or aggressively supports a cause, often implying readiness for conflict or warfare. It can sometimes carry a neutral or positive connotation if referring to passionate activism.

  • The militant protesters clashed with authorities during the demonstration.
  • She was a militant advocate for environmental protection, always prepared to confront polluters.

Examples of usage

  • His jingoistic rhetoric was aimed at stirring up nationalist sentiments.
  • The president's jingoistic approach to foreign relations has alienated many of our allies.
Context #2 | Adjective

general

Showing excessive national pride and a belief in the superiority of one's own country.

Synonyms

jingo, patriotic, xenophobic.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
jingoistic

Used to describe an extreme form of nationalism that is aggressive and warlike. It often implies a disdain for other countries.

  • His jingoistic rhetoric alienated many moderate voters.
  • The jingoistic coverage of the conflict stirred up a lot of anger and hatred.
patriotic

Used to describe a positive feeling of love and devotion to one's country. It can be used in various settings like celebrations, speeches, or describing a person's actions.

  • The crowd sang patriotic songs during the fireworks display.
  • She felt a surge of patriotic pride as she watched the parade.
xenophobic

Used to describe a fear or hatred of foreigners, people from different cultures, or anything that is strange or foreign. It has a strongly negative connotation.

  • The xenophobic comments on social media sparked outrage.
jingo

An informal, somewhat historical term that refers to someone who is extremely patriotic in a belligerent or aggressive manner. It's often used pejoratively.

  • The politician was criticized as a jingo for his aggressive stance on foreign policy.
  • During the rally, he sounded more like a jingo than a statesman.

Examples of usage

  • The jingoistic display of flags and symbols was overwhelming.
  • Her jingoistic attitude made it difficult to have a rational discussion about global issues.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term originated in Britain during the late 19th century, stemming from the word 'jingo', which was used to describe someone extremely patriotic.
  • It became popular during the Russo-Turkish War (1877-1878) when newspapers described enthusiastic supporters calling for military engagement.
  • Originally linked to a music hall song that advocated for war with a catchy chorus, 'We don't want to fight but by jingo if we do...' representing causing excitement over patriotism.

Politics

  • Jingoism often arises during times of national crisis, leading to heightened emotions and a push for military action without considering the consequences.
  • Countries may leverage jingoistic sentiments to unite citizens, often using media and propaganda to amplify national pride.
  • It can also lead to a dismissive attitude towards other nations, creating tension and conflict between countries.

Literature

  • The concept of jingoism has been addressed critically in various literary works, including George Orwell’s essays that dissect nationalism.
  • In the play 'The National Anthem' by Stephen Poliakoff, jingoism is explored through characters exhibiting overly proud behavior towards their country.
  • Ernest Hemingway's work often portrayed the effects of extreme patriotism on personal relationships and societal dynamics.

Psychology

  • Jingoistic tendencies can arise from cognitive biases that reinforce in-group favoritism, where one group feels superior to others.
  • Feeling threatened by external forces can amplify jingoistic emotions, leading individuals to cling more tightly to national identity.
  • Studies suggest that strong jingoistic feelings can hinder empathy towards other cultures, affecting interpersonal relations on a global scale.

Pop Culture

  • Jingoism is frequently critiqued in films and songs, often portraying its absurdity or harmful impact on society, such as in the film 'Dr. Strangelove'.
  • The term is sometimes used in music genres, especially in protest songs that challenge exaggerated national pride and call for world peace.
  • Contemporary social media can spread jingoistic messages rapidly, amplifying patriotic fervor, especially during sporting events or national holidays.

Translations

Translations of the word "jingoistic" in other languages:

🇵🇹 chauvinista

🇮🇳 अंधराष्ट्रवादी

🇩🇪 chauvinistisch

🇮🇩 chauvinistik

🇺🇦 шовіністичний

🇵🇱 szowinistyczny

🇯🇵 愛国主義的

🇫🇷 chauviniste

🇪🇸 chovinista

🇹🇷 şovenist

🇰🇷 맹목적 애국주의

🇸🇦 شوفيني

🇨🇿 šovinistický

🇸🇰 šovinistický

🇨🇳 极端爱国主义的

🇸🇮 šovinističen

🇮🇸 þjóðernissinnaður

🇰🇿 шовинистік

🇬🇪 შოვინისტური

🇦🇿 şovinist

🇲🇽 chovinista

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,945, 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.