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 or masses, often used in a slightly derogatory way to suggest the general crowd.
Hoity-toity describes someone as snobbish, haughty, or pretentiously superior.
Remember that hoi polloi sounds like a crowd saying hi! together; it's about many people.
Hoity-toity has a snooty sound, just like the elevated demeanor it describes.
Think of hoity as the high-and-mighty attitude when referring to someone's behavior.