What does classist mean?
Classist describes attitudes, behaviour, policies, or institutions that discriminate against people because of their social class. The word functions chiefly as an adjective — 'a classist remark', 'classist assumptions about accent or education' — though it can also serve as a noun for someone who holds such prejudices. Coined relatively recently on the pattern of 'racist' and 'sexist', it belongs to the family of terms naming specific forms of social prejudice. Calling something classist is normally a criticism: it implies unfair treatment, condescension, or exclusion of those perceived to be lower in status or wealth. Common contexts include debates over education, hiring practices, housing, media portrayals, and everyday snobbery about speech or manners. Its counterpart noun 'classism' names the underlying system or attitude itself, just as racism underlies racist behaviour. Because class boundaries and markers vary across societies, what counts as classist can differ between Britain, the United States, and elsewhere, but the core meaning — bias based on social rank — is consistent.
Showing or characterized by prejudice against people on the basis of their social class.
"She called out the classist assumption that only private-school graduates could do the job."
A person who discriminates against others on the basis of social class.
"Only a committed classist would claim that accent determines intelligence."
Used when referring to multiple individuals who hold class-based prejudices.
"The novel's villains are snobs and classists who measure worth by lineage."
The word 'classist' is barely older than many millennials — it was coined on the model of 'racist' and 'sexist' as society began naming prejudice by class.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of classist
'Classist' is a modern formation, coined in the late twentieth century on the model of 'racist' and 'sexist', combining the word 'class' with the '-ist' suffix used for holders of prejudicial attitudes. It derives ultimately from the Latin 'classis', meaning a division or group of the Roman people, which also gave English 'classify' and 'classic'. Its companion noun 'classism' arose at roughly the same time.
Related word forms
How classist is actually used
Almost always carries negative connotation when describing attitudes or behaviour; describing a person, policy, or institution as classist is typically an accusation. The noun use ('a classist') is less common than the adjective.
Easily confused with classist
'Classic' means of the highest quality or a standard example, while 'classist' refers to prejudice based on social class; they share only a distant Latin root.