Definition

Noun: * The common people, especially when viewed as disorganized, unruly, or of low social standing: A disparaging term referring to the masses or general populace, often implying they are a motley, ragged, or disorderly collection of individuals.

Usage

This term is used as a collective noun to refer to a crowd or group of ordinary people, typically with a negative connotation of disorganization or lack of refinement. It is often considered archaic and disparaging.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• The phrase can be used attributively (like an adjective) before another noun.
  • They were a ragtag and bobtail crew of adventurers with no unified goal.

Variants and Related Words

• Ragtag (adjective): Describing a group as disorganized, untidy, or made up of disparate elements.
  • A ragtag bunch of volunteers assembled to help.
• Bobtail (noun, archaic): An animal with a docked or short tail; by extension, something curtailed or incomplete. In the phrase, it contributes to the sense of an inferior or motley collection.

Synonyms

• Rabble: A disorderly crowd; the common people.
• Hoi polloi: (Often derogatory) The masses; the common people.
• Plebeians: Commoners (from historical Roman context).
• The great unwashed: (Derogatory, informal) The common populace.

Related Idioms

• Tag and rag: An older, synonymous variant meaning the common herd.
• Riffraff: Worthless or disreputable people; the rabble.
  • The bouncer was told not to let in any riffraff.

Noun

1. disparaging terms for the common people