Snobbishness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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snobbishness

[ˈsnɒbɪʃnəs ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in social interactions

The quality or characteristic of being snobbish; behavior that shows a belief in one's superiority over others.

Synonyms

arrogance, elitism, haughtiness, snootiness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
snobbishness	Used when someone looks down on others based on social status or wealth. Her snobbishness made it hard for her to make friends
arrogance	Describes an overbearing attitude of superiority, often without justification. It is typically viewed negatively. His arrogance was evident when he dismissed the team's ideas without consideration
haughtiness	Describes a behavior or attitude of someone who believes they are superior to others. It's often associated with disdain or contempt. Her haughtiness was apparent when she refused to speak to anyone she considered beneath her
snootiness	Informal; used when someone is disdainful or aloof, often because they consider themselves better. It is commonly used in a light-hearted or teasing way but can also be negative. His snootiness about wine made others feel uncomfortable at dinner parties
elitism	Describes the belief that a society or system should be led by an elite, or upper class, and often involves exclusive or discriminatory behavior. The school was criticized for its elitism, admitting only children from wealthy families

Examples of usage

He displayed his snobbishness by constantly name-dropping at the party.
Her snobbishness prevented her from making friends with people from different backgrounds.
The snobbishness of the elite club members was evident in their condescending attitudes towards others.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Impact

In literature, characters exhibiting snobbishness often drive conflict, showcasing societal divides and class struggles.
Films and TV shows frequently depict snobbish characters as antagonists, reinforcing the idea that such attitudes are undesirable.

Psychology

Research suggests that snobbish behaviors can stem from insecurity, where individuals compensate for self-doubt by elevating themselves above others.
Studies show that high social status can lead to a reduced ability to empathize with others, fostering snobbish attitudes.

Historical Context

Throughout history, class divisions have often bred snobbishness, particularly in aristocratic societies where social rank dictated behavior.
The Victorian era in England saw a rise in snobbish behavior among the newly wealthy, who sought acceptance among traditional elites.

Social Commentary

Modern discussions around snobbishness often focus on consumerism, where some individuals look down on others for their lifestyle choices.
Online platforms can amplify snobbishness, with people judging others based on perceived knowledge or tastes in content and trends.

Origin of 'snobbishness'

Main points about word origin

The term comes from the late 18th century, originally used in England to describe a shoemaker's apprentice.
Initially, it referred to people who pretended to have high status but didn't, which gradually evolved to imply a sense of superiority.

The word 'snobbishness' originated in the early 19th century, deriving from the term 'snob' which referred to a person of low social status pretending to be of a higher class. Over time, 'snobbishness' evolved to describe the behavior or attitude of someone who looks down on others perceived as inferior in terms of social status or wealth.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,078, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

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35075 eliminator
35076 waddle
35077 ulcerate
35078 snobbishness
35079 lasciviousness
35080 caramelized
35081 ulcerating
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