Jingoism
/ˈdʒɪŋɡoʊɪzəm/
nounC1
Definition
Jingoism is when people love their country so much that they want to fight or go to war to prove it is the best. It is a very strong and sometimes dangerous feeling of pride in one’s country, often leading to wanting to harm other countries.
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See It in Action
Extreme, aggressive patriotism that supports war or military action
- •The politician’s speech was full of jingoism, calling for immediate war.
- •Jingoism can make people support conflicts without thinking about peace.
- •Some media use jingoism to increase fear and hate against other countries.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "jingoism" like "patriotism," but much stronger and more aggressive—like pride that pushes people to fight
- ✓Picture people waving flags loudly and shouting for their country to fight, even when peace might be better
- ✓It's the feeling when someone says, "Our country is the best, and we must show it by any means, even war"
- ✓Sounds like "JING-go-ism" → imagine a loud bell ("jingle") ringing to call people to battle for their country
- ✓Think of stories or movies where characters want war to prove their nation’s power, not just to protect it
- ✓NOT like "patriotism" (love and support for country in peaceful ways)—jingoism often means wanting conflict or war
- ✓NOT like "nationalism" (pride in country)—jingoism is more about aggressive and loud demands for power
- ✓NOT like "peace" or "diplomacy" (talking to avoid war)—jingoism ignores these and pushes for fighting
Try Other Words
- •Chauvinism: extreme and unreasonable support for one’s country or group (Use when the support is blind and aggressive)
- •Nationalism: pride and loyalty to one’s country (Use when the feeling is strong but not always aggressive)
- •Militarism: belief that a country should use military power to solve problems (Use when focus is on military strength and war readiness)
- •Patriotism: love and support for one’s country (Use when the feeling is positive and peaceful)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "jingo" + suffix "-ism" (which means a belief or practice)
- •Etymology: From English slang "jingo," from a British song in the late 1800s that expressed aggressive support for war with Russia
- •Historical development: The word started in Britain to describe loud, war-supporting patriotism during political debates
- •Modern usage: Used to describe aggressive nationalism that pushes for war or conflict, often with negative meaning
- •Key insight: The word shows pride that goes beyond love and becomes dangerous by wanting violence
Reflect & Connect
•When can patriotism become jingoism? How do we know the difference?
•How might jingoism affect relationships between countries and people?
Fill in the blanks
1.Jingoism often grows when people feel ___ threatened or want to prove their country’s ___.
2.Unlike patriotism, jingoism usually supports ___ rather than ___.
3.Leaders use jingoism to ___ people’s emotions and encourage ___.
4.Jingoism is different from nationalism because it is more ___ and often pushes for ___.
5.When a country shows jingoism, it may ignore ___ and focus on ___.
6.The loud speeches full of jingoism made many citizens ready to ___ without thinking about the ___.
7.Jingoism can cause ___ between countries because it demands ___ and power.