1 jingoism | Definition of jingoism

jingoism

noun
jin·​go·​ism | \ ˈjiŋ-(ˌ)gō-ˌi-zəm How to pronounce jingoism (audio) \

Definition of jingoism

: extreme chauvinism or nationalism marked especially by a belligerent foreign policy

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Other Words from jingoism

jingoist \ ˈjiŋ-​(ˌ)gō-​ist How to pronounce jingoist (audio) \ noun or adjective
jingoistic \ ˌjiŋ-​gō-​ˈi-​stik How to pronounce jingoistic (audio) \ adjective
jingoistically \ ˌjiŋ-​gō-​ˈi-​sti-​k(ə-​)lē How to pronounce jingoistically (audio) \ adverb

Jingoism Got Its Start in the 19th Century

Jingoism originated during the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-1878, when many British citizens were hostile toward Russia and felt Britain should intervene in the conflict. Supporters of the cause expressed their sentiments in a music-hall ditty with this refrain: We don't want to fight, yet by jingo if we do,

We've got the ships, we've got the men,
We've got the money, too!

Someone holding the attitude implied in the song became known as a jingo or jingoist, and the attitude itself was dubbed jingoism. The jingo in the tune is probably a euphemism for Jesus.

Examples of jingoism in a Sentence

When the war began many people were caught up in a wave of jingoism. his loudmouthed jingoism will not win us any foreign allies

Recent Examples on the Web

Regardless, Orbán’s adoption of Turanist language and symbols has helped buttress the xenophobic jingoism that has become the hallmark of his reign. Jacob Mikanowski, Harper's magazine, "The Call of the Drums," 21 July 2019 The first series of jaunts sees Bannon trying to herd the cats who are heading up Europe’s various extreme right-wing political parties into a kind of Justice League of jingoism. Corey Seymour, Vogue, "I Watched the New Steve Bannon Documentary, The Brink, So You Don’t Have To," 27 Mar. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'jingoism.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of jingoism

1878, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for jingoism

see jingo entry 2

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More Definitions for jingoism

jingoism

noun

English Language Learners Definition of jingoism

disapproving : the feelings and beliefs of people who think that their country is always right and who are in favor of aggressive acts against other countries

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More from Merriam-Webster on jingoism

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with jingoism

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for jingoism

Spanish Central: Translation of jingoism

Nglish: Translation of jingoism for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about jingoism

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