jingo

Meaning

Noun

• One who supports policy favouring war.

Origin

• 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 on account of programs then taking place which were blamed on the Tzar. In this context, a euphemism for Jesus, influenced by the meaningless presto-jingo used by conjurors. A connection with the Basque jainko has been suggested, but evidence is lacking.