Chauvinism

Noun

Definition: Excessive or prejudiced support for one's own cause, group, or gender, often accompanied by feelings of superiority and intolerance towards other groups.

Synonyms: Bias, Prejudice, Bigotry

Antonyms: Impartiality, Tolerance, Egalitarian

Examples:
  • His chauvinism made it difficult for him to work effectively with colleagues from diverse backgrounds.
  • The chauvinist remarks he made during the debate offended many people in the audience.
Mnemonics:
  • Think of chauvinism as an extreme form of bias or prejudice.
  • Remember that chauvinism often revolves around a sense of superiority.

Etymology:

Origin:

The word "chauvinism" is derived from the name "Nicolas Chauvin," a fictional character who was a soldier known for his excessive love for Napoleon Bonaparte. The term was first used in the early 19th century as a way to describe extreme and blind patriotism. Later, it expanded to include excessive bias towards one's own gender, group, or cause.

Historical Usage:

Originally, the term was associated with excessive patriotism. Over time, it evolved to encompass other forms of biased attitudes and behaviors.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Male chauvinism"

Explanation:

Refers specifically to male prejudice or bias against women, highlighting the gender aspect of chauvinism.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Chauvinism is limited to male prejudice against women.

Explanation:

Although male chauvinism is a common form of chauvinism, the term can be applied to any excessive or prejudiced support for one's own cause, group, or gender. Chauvinism can occur between different genders, ethnicities, nationalities, or even within the same gender or group. The term is not limited to a specific gender or type of prejudice.

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