'chauvinist' originates from French, specifically the word 'chauvin', ultimately from the proper name 'Chauvin' (a legendary or infamous soldier), where the name came to be associated with extreme, blind patriotism.

'chauvin' in French referred to an exaggeration of patriotic devotion; the related French noun 'chauvinisme' ('chauvinism') entered English, and from that English 'chauvinist' was derived to name a person showing such excessive bias or patriotism.

Initially it meant 'excessive patriotism' (associated with the legendary figure Chauvin), but over time it broadened to mean 'excessive, prejudiced support or belief in the superiority of one's own group' (for example, sexism as in 'male chauvinist').