What does snobbishness mean?
Snobbishness is the quality of looking down on other people because of their social position, wealth, education, tastes, or cultural background. A person displaying snobbishness may treat those regarded as inferior with conspicuous politeness, dismiss them as undeserving of respect, or assume that their own preferences are inherently superior. The word usually conveys strong disapproval and commonly suggests pretension or class-consciousness rather than simple confidence in one's tastes. Snobbishness can occur in individual behavior, as when a customer looks down on a shop's customers, or in institutions, as when a club is said to embody aristocratic snobbishness. Although the term is sometimes used loosely for someone who seems excessively selective or refined, its central meaning concerns hierarchical judgments about other people and their status.
nounThe behavior or attitude of a snob, especially haughty or contemptuous treatment of people considered socially or culturally inferior.
- The quality of being snobbish, especially the belief that one's own tastes, status, or background make one superior to others.
"Her snobbishness made her dismiss anyone who did not share her tastes."
"The gallery's reputation for snobbishness put casual visitors off."
"He rejected the criticism as mere snobbishness toward a different kind of music."
Plural is uncommon because the word normally describes a quality rather than countable instances.
"The novel explores the different forms of snobbishness found in elite society."
Snobbishness can turn status-consciousness into a wall between people who differ in taste, background, or income.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does snobbishness come from?
Snobbishness was formed in the early 19th century from snobbish, an adjective derived from snob, plus the noun-forming suffix -ness. The earlier noun snob was used for a person who assumed social superiority over others; the precise origin of snob is uncertain. The related forms snobbery, snobby, and snobbish developed from the same historical root and share the word's association with class-conscious social distinctions.
Related word forms
How snobbishness is actually used
The term is generally critical and is usually applied to conspicuous class-consciousness or an elitist attitude. It is common in British and American English.
Easily confused with snobbishness
Snobbishness names the quality or attitude itself, whereas snobbery commonly refers to snobbish behavior or conduct.