flag waving
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. The act or practice of expressing or promoting excessive or overtly emotional patriotism, often in a way that is intended to inspire nationalistic fervor or support. It typically involves the display of national symbols, especially flags, and the use of impassioned rhetoric about one's country.
Usage
- The politician's speech was criticized as mere flag waving, lacking any substantive policy details.
- During the international crisis, the media was accused of engaging in flag waving instead of objective reporting.
- The ceremony balanced solemn remembrance with moments that some felt bordered on flag waving.
Advanced Usage
- The term is often used in a critical or pejorative sense to describe patriotism that is perceived as shallow, aggressive, or intended to manipulate public sentiment.
- It can describe actions in various contexts, including politics, media, sports, and public ceremonies.
Variants and Related Words
- Flag-waver (noun): A person who engages in or promotes flag waving.
- He was dismissed by critics as a mere flag-waver.
- Jingoism (noun): Extreme patriotism, especially in the form of aggressive or warlike foreign policy. This is a stronger, more specific synonym often associated with bellicose rhetoric.
Synonyms
- Chauvinism
- Jingoism
- Excessive patriotism
- Nationalistic fervor
Antonyms
- Internationalism
- Cosmopolitanism
- Pacifism (in certain contexts)
Related Idioms & Phrases
- Waving the flag: This phrase is the direct verbal action from which the noun "flag waving" is derived. It means to deliberately and conspicuously display patriotic sentiment.
- The candidate spent the holiday waving the flag at several parades.
Noun
- an appeal intended to arouse patriotic emotions