noun

chauvinist

shō′v(ĭ)nĭst

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Chauvinist (noun) means a person with an exaggerated, biased belief in the superiority of their own group, often used specifically for someone with sexist attitudes toward the opposite sex. Example: “He was called out for being a chauvinist after dismissing his colleague's ideas.”

noun

A person with an exaggerated, biased belief in the superiority of their own group, often used specifically for someone with sexist attitudes toward the opposite sex.

"He was called out for being a chauvinist after dismissing his colleague's ideas."

"The old-fashioned chauvinist assumed the women in the office would handle the coffee."

adj

Showing excessive, biased loyalty to one's own group or gender.

"His chauvinist remarks about women drivers didn't go over well."

How to use chauvinist

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomeone excessively and unfairly biased in favour of their own group — most often heard today as "male chauvinist," meaning a sexist man.

Common mistake

Don't confuse with a Calvinist (a follower of the religious reformer Calvin) — different word, different origin, despite the similar sound.

Easily confused with

calvinist misogynist →

Common pairings

male chauvinist chauvinist attitude

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: chauvinists
Comparative: more chauvinist
Superlative: most chauvinist

Test yourself on “chauvinist” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

He was called out for being a _____ after dismissing his colleague's ideas.

Etymology

Named after Nicolas Chauvin, a (possibly legendary) French soldier famous for his fanatical devotion to Napoleon; the word later broadened from extreme patriotism to any excessive, biased loyalty, especially "male chauvinist" for sexist men.

Origin: French

Synonyms

View more →

jingo jingoist flag-waver patrioteer hundred-percenter

Related words

nationalist patriot pacifist jingo jingoist patrioteer warmonger

Rhymes for chauvinist

feminist violinist

See all rhymes for chauvinist →

Frequently asked questions

What does “chauvinist” mean?

The word “chauvinist” means a person with an exaggerated, biased belief in the superiority of their own group, often used specifically for someone with sexist attitudes toward the opposite sex. In plain terms, someone excessively and unfairly biased in favour of their own group — most often heard today as "male chauvinist," meaning a sexist man.

How do you pronounce “chauvinist”?

“Chauvinist” is pronounced shō′v(ĭ)nĭst.

How do you use “chauvinist” in a sentence?

Here is “chauvinist” used in a sentence: “He was called out for being a chauvinist after dismissing his colleague's ideas.”

What part of speech is “chauvinist”?

Depending on how it is used, “chauvinist” can be a noun and an adjective.

Where does the word “chauvinist” come from?

The word “chauvinist” comes from French.

How many meanings does “chauvinist” have?

“Chauvinist” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person with an exaggerated, biased belief in the superiority of their own group, often used specifically for someone with sexist attitudes toward the opposite sex.

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nationalist patriot pacifist jingo jingoist patrioteer warmonger