Racist is specific: prejudice or discrimination on grounds of race or ethnicity. Bigot is general: someone intolerant of any group or opinion differing from their own, which may be about religion, nationality, politics, sexuality or anything else. Every racist is a bigot; a bigot is not necessarily a racist.
The core difference
- racist — holding or acting on prejudice specifically about race or ethnicity.
- bigot — obstinately intolerant of any belief, group or identity other than one's own.
The relationship is category and instance: bigotry is the wider set, and racism is one form it takes alongside sectarianism, xenophobia and others.
The related terms, precisely
- prejudice — a judgement formed before the evidence; the attitude itself.
- discrimination — acting on it, treating people differently on that basis. Prejudice is internal, discrimination is conduct.
- xenophobia — fear or dislike of foreigners, which overlaps with racism but is about foreignness rather than race.
- sectarianism — hostility between denominations or sects, usually within a religion.
- chauvinism — aggressive belief in the superiority of one's own group; originally national, later applied to sex.
Where the word bigot comes from
The origin is genuinely uncertain. It entered English from French in the sixteenth century, initially as a term of abuse for a hypocrite or superstitious person, and narrowed to religious intolerance before broadening again to intolerance generally. Various etymologies have been proposed and none is settled.
A note on usage
Both words are strong accusations describing a person rather than an act, which is why careful writing often prefers naming the conduct — "a racist remark", "discriminatory hiring" — where the aim is to be precise rather than to condemn. That is the same reasoning style guides apply to illegal as a description of people.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a bigot and a racist?
Racist refers specifically to prejudice about race or ethnicity; bigot covers intolerance of any group or belief. Racism is one form of bigotry.
What is the difference between prejudice and discrimination?
Prejudice is the attitude — a judgement formed before the evidence. Discrimination is acting on it by treating people differently.
Where does the word bigot come from?
It entered English from French in the sixteenth century, first meaning a hypocrite or superstitious person. Its deeper origin is disputed and unresolved.