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Okay, but the definition of jingoism is someone who professes their patriotism loudly and excessively...and I think it is that concept that bothers me, because this definition smacks of thought policing...I mean, someone could be simply saying they love being British, and while anyone else would take that as a natural view of someone born and raised in the UK, another whose sensitivities are slighted by this mere expression would call it excessively braggadocious.

all too often I have run across non-Americans who not only bristle, but bloviate over the fact that I expressed pride in the country of my birth and gave specific reasons why...and I think jingoism is a slam towards those who have the audacity to express that pride. As someone who is proud of her own country, I would not find fault in say, someone from Madagascar expressing great love for that African island. Why would I consider it an insult to hear him brag of it?

The only time *I* would get offended is if they started putting down America without ever having experienced the country. How could I put down Madagascar without having ever been there???

On the same note, I have heard one or two British slam America...that's to be expected considering our historical relationship. But since I am well educated in both my own history and that of Great Britain, the insults and slams do not affect me...because I happen to have such a high opinion of America...and I believe I have the better deal.

I really hate the word 'jingoism.' Nothing more than New Speak for the 1984 era.

You make some good points, but I think Orwell had a slightly different meaning in mind. After all, the British still had the empire, so the contents of boasts about Britain at that time and earlier would often have had a distinctly(and unpleasantly) militaristic bent. Think Victorian neocons. I think the perjorative use of "jingoism" for all patriotism is meant to blur the distinction between regular love of country and less worthy emotions.

the definition of jingoism is someone who professes their patriotism loudly and excessively...and I think it is that concept that bothers me, because this definition smacks of thought policing...I mean, someone could be simply saying they love being British, and while anyone else would take that as a natural view of someone born and raised in the UK, another whose sensitivities are slighted by this mere expression would call it excessively braggadocious.

What you refer to is not "jingoism". And the person with sensitivities slighted and taking it as such is in error. Professing a love for your country is not "fanatical".

I have had in-laws that have spent 20 minutes ranting on how much better their country is than America, morally as well as simplicity in life-style, and would just rant louder when I pointed out FACTS to the contrary. THAT is jingoism, isn't it? A sort of "ultranationalism"?

After listening to these rants I walk to the phone, calmly asking what day of departure they prefer when I make their flight reservations BACK to the "land of plenty" they so desperately couldn't wait to leave some odd years back. The room becomes strangely quiet...