What does bigot mean?
A bigot is a person who holds stubbornly to a particular opinion or belief — most often a prejudiced one — and refuses to consider other views, frequently showing open hostility toward those who think, worship, or live differently. The word is almost always pejorative: no one describes themselves as a bigot; it is a label applied by others, usually in heated debates about religion, politics, race, or social values. Calling someone a bigot asserts two things at once: that the person's views are intolerant, and that they are held irrationally, beyond the reach of argument. Related forms include the adjective "bigoted" and the noun "bigotry," which names the underlying attitude. Because it is such a charged term, using it tends to shut down conversation rather than invite it, so writers often reserve it for cases where genuine hostility or entrenched discrimination is evident rather than mere disagreement.
nounA person who is obstinately and unreasonably attached to a particular belief or opinion, especially one who is intolerant of or hostile toward people with differing views, beliefs, or backgrounds.
- A person who is obstinately devoted to their own opinions and prejudices, and intolerant of those who differ.
"He was such a bigot that he refused to sit at the same table with anyone of a different faith."
"She was branded a bigot after her remarks about immigrants went viral."
"A true bigot rarely recognizes the prejudice in his own views, only in others'."
Regular plural; used when referring to multiple individuals exhibiting bigotry.
"The pamphlet denounced the bigots who sought to block the new synagogue."
The word "bigot" may have come from a French insult for Normans — possibly from "bi God!", an old English oath they supposedly overused.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of bigot
The origin of "bigot" is uncertain, but it appears in French by the 12th century, where it was reportedly used as a derisive term for Normans — perhaps mocking their habitual Anglo-Norman oath "bi God!" (by God). From French it passed into English in the late 16th or early 17th century, initially denoting a superstitious or hypocritically devout person before narrowing to its modern sense of someone intolerantly attached to their opinions. The derivative forms "bigotry" and "bigoted" developed shortly afterward.
Related word forms
How bigot is actually used
"Bigot" carries strong negative connotation and is typically used as an accusation rather than self-description. It implies both intolerance and an unwillingness to reconsider one's views. The word is common in political, religious, and social commentary.
Easily confused with bigot
"Bigoted" is the adjective describing someone who behaves like a bigot, while "bigot" is the noun referring to the person themselves.