Master confusing words with ease
Hoi polloi vs. Hoity-toity
Hoi polloi
/ˌhɔɪ pəˈlɔɪ/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.
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Antonyms:
Hoity-toity
/hɔɪtɪ ˈtɔɪti/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 general populace or common people, whereas hoity-toity describes someone as snobbish or pretentious.
- Remember that hoi polloi is almost neutral or sometimes a dismissive reference to the masses, while hoity-toity carries a derogatory tone, indicating arrogance.
- Both terms have Greek origins but are used in a distinctly English context, with hoi polloi borrowed directly from Greek and hoity-toity evolving in 18th-century English.
- Hoi polloi literally means the many in Greek, which can help you remember its association with the masses.
- Hoity-toity sounds like it has a rhythm or rhyme, which may remind you of someone putting on airs or acting out of superiority.
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