Jingo


a person who professes his or her patriotism loudly and excessively, favoring vigilant preparedness for war and an aggressive foreign policy; bellicose chauvinist.
English History. a Conservative supporter of Disraeli’s policy in the Near East during the period 1877–78.
of jingoes.
characterized by jingoism.
by jingo!, Informal. (an exclamation used to emphasize the truth or importance of a foregoing statement, or to express astonishment, approval, etc.):
I know you can do it, by jingo!
Historical Examples

Myths & Legends of Japan F. Hadland (Frederick Hadland) Davis
Crown and Anchor John Conroy Hutcheson
The Witch Doctor and other Rhodesian Studies Frank Worthington
Handy Andy, Volume One Samuel Lover
Bijou Gyp
The Whirlpool George Gissing
Press Cuttings George Bernard Shaw
The Brighton Boys in the Trenches James R. Driscoll
Spring notes from Tennessee Bradford Torrey
Mrs. Vanderstein’s jewels Mrs. Charles Bryce

noun (pl) -goes
a loud and bellicose patriot; chauvinist
jingoism
by jingo, an exclamation of surprise
n.

Hunt’s patriotic song of 1878, with a swinging tune … became at Macdermott’s instigation the watchword of the popular supporters of England’s bellicose policy. The “Daily News” on 11 March 1878 first dubbed the latter ‘Jingoes’ in derision …. [“Dictionary of National Biography,” London, 1912]

As an asseveration, it was in colloquial use since 1690s, and is apparently yet another euphemism for Jesus, influenced by conjurer’s gibberish presto-jingo (1660s). The frequent suggestion that it somehow derives from Basque Jinko “god” is “not impossible,” but “as yet unsupported by evidence” [OED].

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