chauvinist
chauvinist Lexical Profile
chauvinist Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A person, especially a man, who believes that their own sex is innately superior to the other and treats members of the opposite sex with condescension or prejudice.
"His dismissive remarks during the boardroom meeting earned him a reputation as an unapologetic chauvinist."
A person displaying aggressive, exaggerated, or fanatical patriotism and a belief in national or group superiority.
"Political commentators warned that appealing to vocal chauvinists could undermine diplomatic negotiations with neighboring states."
• adjective
Displaying or characterized by an attitude of superiority toward members of the opposite sex, or by aggressive, uncritical loyalty to one's own country or group.
"The organization worked to reform the outdated, chauvinist attitudes that had long prevented women from advancing into senior leadership roles."
Word Nuance & Usage
While originally referring to militant nationalism, in contemporary usage 'chauvinist' standing alone almost always functions as shorthand for 'male chauvinist' (a man who believes men are inherently superior to women).
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed from French 'chauviniste', named after Nicolas Chauvin, a semi-legendary soldier of Napoleon I's army who was famously depicted in 19th-century French vaudeville plays for his fanatical, uncritical devotion to the emperor and French glory.