Definition of jingoism
: extreme chauvinism or nationalism marked especially by a belligerent foreign policy
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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
Did You Know?
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.
Origin and Etymology of jingoism
see 2jingo
First Known Use: 1878
Other Government and Politics Terms
JINGOISM Defined for English Language Learners
jingoism
playDefinition of jingoism for English Language Learners
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: 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
Learn More about jingoism
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See 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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