jingo
UK /ˈd͡ʒɪŋ.ɡəʊ/ · US /ˈd͡ʒɪŋ.ɡoʊ/ noun
Forms jingos jingoes
Synonyms
Etymology
From the minced oath by jingo, which was used in a music hall song, written ca. 1878 by G. W. Hunt, that supported Britain's then belligerent attitude towards Russia. In this context, a euphemism for Jesus, influenced by the meaningless presto-jingo used by conjurors. A connection with the Basque jainko (“god”) has been suggested, but evidence is lacking.
Webster’s 1913
- noun A word used as a jocular oath. "By the living jingo." Goldsmith.
- noun A statesman who pursues, or who favors, aggressive, domineering policy in foreign affairs. [Cant, Eng.]
Etymology [Said to be a corruption of St. Gingoulph.]
Sources: Wiktionary · WordNet 3.0 · Webster’s 1913 — from the Wiktionary entry “jingo”, CC BY-SA 4.0. Details