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 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.
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