Snobbish Meaning and Definition
Snobbish
Pronunciation
/ˈnɒbɪʃ/
Part of Speech
Adjective
Definition
Having or showing a feeling of superiority or contempt for those considered to be of inferior social status, intelligence, or taste.
Examples
- He was accused of being snobbish towards his colleagues.
- The boutique store was seen as snobbish by the local community.
Synonyms
- Snooty
- Elite
Antonyms
- Humble
- Down-to-earth
Etymology
The word “snobbish” comes from the 18th-century English word “snob,” referring to a person who is considered to be of inferior social status, but is now used to describe someone who exhibits snobbish behavior.
Usage Notes
Use “snobbish” to describe someone who is overly concerned with social status, appearance, or material possessions.
Cultural References
In the TV show “Gossip Girl,” the character Blair Waldorf is known for her snobbish behavior.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
affecting a certain air of snobbishness
Related Words or Phrases
- Elite
- Snooty
- Haughty
Collocations
- snobbish attitude
- snobbish behavior
- snobbish remarks
Frequency of Use
According to the Oxford English Corpus, “snobbish” is used in approximately 15% of written English texts.
Common Misspellings
- Snobish
- Snobbish
- Snobbery