A term used to refer to the general public or the common people
Examples:
The opulent hotel's policy was to exclude the hoi polloi.Protesters gathered, representing the voice of the hoi polloi.A toast was made, mocking the taste of the hoi polloi.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Hoity-toity
/hɔɪtɪ ˈtɔɪti/
Behaving as if one is better or more important than others; showing arrogance
Examples:
The gala was filled with hoity-toity socialites.He scoffed at her hoity-toity attitude at the party.Her hoity-toity demeanor made her unapproachable.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Ways to tell them apart:
Hoi polloi refers to the common people, while hoity-toity describes someone who is pretentious or snobbish.
Both phrases have a similar rhythm but distinctly different meanings.
Remember the hoi in hoi polloi relates to the majority, while hoity-toity suggests a high-and-mighty attitude.