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Toffy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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toffy

[ˈtɒfi ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

informal British

Toffy is a British colloquial term that refers to someone who is wealthy and comes from a privileged background. It often carries connotations of being upper-class or snobbish. The term can also refer to sweet, sticky candies in some contexts.

Synonyms

aristocrat, snob, upper class.

Examples of usage

  • He's such a toffy, always flaunting his family wealth.
  • The toffy crowd at the charity gala made me feel out of place.
  • She only hangs out with toffies who share her social status.

Translations

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

Origin of 'toffy'

The term 'toffy' originates from the British upper class's penchant for adopting language that signifies their social status. It traces back to the 19th century, with the word 'toff' evolving from the slang term 'toffee', which referred to affluent individuals. The shift from the confectionery term to a descriptor of social status reflects the changing dynamics of class perception in British society. Over the decades, 'toffy' has been used in a variety of contexts, often humorously or pejoratively, to denote individuals perceived as pretentious or excessively concerned with social status. The word encapsulates a cultural critique of class distinctions in Britain, as it highlights the tendency to judge individuals based on their perceived wealth and upbringing.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #42,550, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.