Hoi-Polloi-Hoity-Toity | Commonly Confused Words
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Master confusing words with ease

Hoi polloi vs. Hoity-toity

Hoi polloi

/ˌhɔɪ pəˈlɔɪ/
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:

etymology
  • 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.
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