bigot
UK[ˈbɪɡət]US[ˈbɪɡət]
n
A person who has very strong, unreasonable beliefs or opinions about race, religion, or politics and who will not listen to or accept the opinions of anyone who disagrees.
Etymology
The precise origin of 'bigot' is shrouded in historical uncertainty, though its journey into English is clear. It was adopted from Middle French in the 16th century, where 'bigot' was a term of abuse for a sanctimonious hypocrite. A popular but unverified etymology traces it to a Germanic exclamation bi got ("by God"), used as a common oath, which the French might have mockingly applied to overly pious Normans. Over centuries in English, the meaning generalized from its religious context to describe anyone obstinately and intolerantly devoted to their own creed, group, or opinion, losing its specific connection to oath-swearing while retaining the core notion of unreasoning attachment.
Analysis
The word 'bigot' is a simplex loanword. Its ultimate origin is uncertain, but it entered English from Middle French. The French term 'bigot' may have been influenced by a Germanic oath formula, such as Old Frankish bi got ("by God").
Examples
He was exposed as a racist bigot.
She had no patience for religious bigots.
The debate revealed him to be a political bigot, unwilling to consider any other viewpoint.