Snobbish: meaning, definitions and examples

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snobbish

[ˈsnɒbɪʃ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

behavior

Behaving in a way that shows a belief in one's superiority over others; condescending or patronizing.

Synonyms

arrogant, haughty, pretentious.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
snobbish	Use when someone looks down on others because they believe they are superior, often due to social status or wealth. She refused to attend the neighborhood barbecue because she found the gatherings too snobbish
arrogant	Use to describe someone who has an exaggerated sense of their own importance, abilities, or value and often dismisses others. His arrogant attitude made it difficult for his colleagues to work with him
haughty	Use when someone behaves in a proud and disdainful manner, often showing contempt for others; very formal. The haughty waiter looked down on the customers who didn't order expensive wines
pretentious	Use when someone claims to have more importance or talent than they actually possess, often to impress others. The pretentious artist was always talking about the masterpieces he'd create, but his paintings were quite ordinary

Examples of usage

He was always making snobbish remarks about people who didn't share his taste in music.
Don't be so snobbish, everyone has their own unique qualities to offer.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

appearance

Displaying an attitude of superiority in terms of wealth, taste, or social status.

Synonyms

elitist, snooty, uppity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
snobbish	Often used to describe someone who looks down on others because they believe they are better or more sophisticated. This term usually has a negative connotation. Jessica's snobbish attitude made it difficult for her to make friends at the new school He has a snobbish disregard for people who don’t read classic literature
elitist	Refers to someone who believes that a society or system should be led by an elite, or considers themselves superior due to their social status, education, or intellect. This word can be used in both negative and neutral contexts, depending on the situation. The politician faced criticism for making elitist remarks about the working class Some argue that admission policies at Ivy League schools are elitist
snooty	Describes a person who behaves as if they are superior and tends to scorn or look down on others. It is typically used in informal contexts and carries a somewhat negative meaning. The waiter's snooty attitude made everyone at the table uncomfortable She gave a snooty response when asked about her boutique designer dress
uppity	Used to describe someone who is acting above their social or economic status, often with a sense of entitlement. It has a strongly negative connotation and can imply arrogance. Some of the older members of the community found her progressive ideas and independent nature uppity The new employee was quickly labeled as uppity because he began suggesting changes to the established processes

Examples of usage

Her snobbish demeanor made it clear that she only associated with people from a certain social class.
The exclusive club had a reputation for its snobbish members who looked down on those they deemed unworthy.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term 'snob' originated in England during the 18th century, initially referring to a shoemaker or a town commoner.
By the 19th century, 'snob' evolved to describe someone who pretended to be of a higher social class.
The connection with the term 'snobbish' highlights how class distinctions have influenced language.

Social Psychology

Studies suggest that people who display snobbish behavior often feel insecure about their own social status.
The tendency to act snobbish can serve as a defense mechanism, helping individuals cope with feelings of inadequacy.
Being snobbish can create barriers in social interactions, leading to isolation or strained relationships.

Pop Culture

Characters in literature and film, such as Jay Gatsby from 'The Great Gatsby', often embody snobbish traits, highlighting the allure and pitfalls of high society.
Reality shows frequently feature snobbish personalities who disparage those they perceive as 'lesser,' which entertains but also critiques social hierarchies.
Cartoons and comedies often exaggerate snobbish behaviors for humor, showcasing the absurdity of such attitudes.

Literature

Classic novels, like Jane Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice', feature prominently snobbish characters that explore themes of class and social acceptance.
Snobbishness in literature often serves as a critique of societal norms and the superficiality of social climbing.
In modern storytelling, characters that display snobbish behaviors often face consequences, revealing the importance of humility and kindness.

Cultural Observations

Different cultures perceive snobbish behavior uniquely, with some viewing it as a natural expression of pride in one’s heritage or achievements.
The rise of social media has amplified perceptions of snobbishness, as online personas can create a false sense of superiority based on curated lifestyles.
In many societies, the push for inclusion and diversity directly challenges snobbish attitudes, promoting acceptance over elitism.

Translations

Translations of the word "snobbish" in other languages:

🇵🇹 esnobe

🇮🇳 घमंडी (ghamandī)

🇩🇪 snobistisch

🇮🇩 sombong

🇺🇦 зверхній

🇵🇱 snobistyczny

🇯🇵 気取った (kidotta)

🇫🇷 snob

🇪🇸 snob

🇹🇷 snob

🇰🇷 잘난 체하는 (jallan chehaneun)

🇸🇦 مغرور (maghrur)

🇨🇿 snobský

🇸🇰 snobský

🇨🇳 势利 (shìlì)

🇸🇮 snobovski

🇮🇸 snobbaður

🇰🇿 снобтық

🇬🇪 სნობური (snoburi)

🇦🇿 snob

🇲🇽 snob

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,571, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

...
29568 mutt
29569 spindly
29570 blaspheme
29571 snobbish
29572 orchestrate
29573 chemise
29574 exorcise
...