pleb
/bleb/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. One of the common people: A person from the ordinary, lower social classes, often used informally or with a derogatory tone to imply a lack of sophistication, education, or high social status. 2. (Historical, Roman context) A plebeian: A member of the common people of ancient Rome, as distinct from the patricians.
Usage
The word "pleb" is a slang abbreviation of "plebeian." It is typically used in informal, often derogatory contexts to describe someone perceived as unsophisticated, uncultured, or of low social standing. It can be offensive.
Examples
- (Note: This example uses "plebs," the plural form, to refer to the common people as a group).
Advanced Usage
- "pleb-bashing" (noun, informal): The act of criticizing or showing contempt for ordinary people.
- The newspaper column was accused of engaging in pleb-bashing.
- Used as an attributive noun (functioning like an adjective): , .
- He mocked what he called their pleb tastes in music.
Variants and Related Words
- Plebeian (noun & adjective): The formal term from which "pleb" is derived.
- As a noun: The hall was filled with merchants and other plebeians.
- As an adjective: He found the entertainment rather plebeian.
- Plebs (noun, plural): The common people collectively.
- Plebe (noun): In U.S. military academy slang, a first-year cadet or midshipman (a different, though related, usage implying low status within the institution).
Synonyms
- Commoner
- Prole (short for proletarian, informal)
- Everyman
- The masses (collective)
- Peasant (can be more specifically rural or historical, and highly derogatory)
Antonyms
- Aristocrat
- Patrician
- Elite
- Noble
- Blue blood
Idioms and Phrases
- "Pleb and posh": A phrase setting the common people in contrast with the upper class.
- The debate focused on the divide between pleb and posh.
- "To be a bit pleb" (informal, derogatory): To behave in an uncultured or coarse manner.
- Spitting on the street is a bit pleb, don't you think?