chauvinistic

[ shoh-vuh-nis-tik ]

adjective

1. aggressively and blindly devoted to a certain system of beliefs, especially patriotism or nationalism:

   The study of historical colonialism reveals a chauvinistic attitude toward other cultures and an implicit assumption that the West was the standard of civilized life for the rest of the world.

2. believing that one gender is superior to another:

   These four remarkable women composers, whose work is largely unknown, were ignored until now because of the chauvinistic attitudes that prevailed in their time.

Other Words From

• chau·vin·is·ti·cal·ly adverb
• un·chau·vin·is·tic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of chauvinistic¹

First recorded in 1865–70; chauvinist ( def ) + -ic ( def )

Example Sentences

Experts say politicians have long looked down on Indigenous people and have wrongly explained away chauvinistic behavior as the carrying on of ancestral practices.

From Seattle Times

Coleman said he always had “more fun playing bad guys” and relished the “rottenness” of his chauvinistic character.

From Los Angeles Times

And while this may be the more politically comfortable step — there were countless moments in the original cartoon that were heavy-handed with misogyny from the chauvinistic Sokka — the result doesn't serve Katara as a character.

From Salon

Despite ruling the narco empire in Miami with an iron fist for two decades, Blanco was acutely aware that as a woman in an industry run almost exclusively by chauvinistic men, her position was precarious.

From BBC

Surely, Carlin himself, noted for his anti-abortion stance, would offer a chauvinistic nod of approval at the study’s choice of material.

From Salon

Related Words

• biased
• bigoted
• dictatorial
• disdainful
• dogmatic
• fanatical
• fractious
• hateful
• indignant
• irritable
• racist
• xenophobic