Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Characteristic of a snob; behaving as if one is superior to others: Describes a person, attitude, or behavior that looks down on those perceived as having lower social status, less wealth, or inferior taste. It implies exclusivity and disdain.

Usage

• The adjective "snobby" is used to describe people, their attitudes, manners, or the atmosphere of places (e.g., clubs, stores, neighborhoods). It is generally pejorative (negative).
• It can be used attributively (before a noun) or predicatively (after a linking verb like "be," "seem," "act").

Examples

• Attributive use (before a noun):
  • She gave a snobby laugh when she saw my old car.
  • They live in a snobby neighborhood where everyone drives expensive cars.
• Predicative use (after a linking verb):
  • He is so snobby about wine; he only drinks the most expensive brands.
  • The club's members were accused of being snobby and exclusive.

Advanced Usage

• "to act snobby": to behave in a condescending or superior manner.
  • She acts snobby around people who didn't go to a private school.
• Comparative and Superlative Forms: "snobbier," "snobbiest."
  • The new restaurant is even snobbier than the last one we tried.
  • That art gallery is the snobbiest place in town.

Variants and Related Words

• Snob (n): a person with an exaggerated respect for high social position or wealth who seeks to associate with social superiors and looks down on those considered inferior.
  • He's such a snob about classical music.
• Snobbish (adj): having the same meaning as "snobby"; often used interchangeably.
  • His snobbish attitude made him very unpopular.
• Snobbism/Snobbery (n): the character or conduct of a snob.
  • The snobbery of some fashion critics is well-known.

Synonyms

• Elitist: favoring, or seen as favoring, a select group perceived as the best in terms of ability, wealth, or social status.
• Haughty: arrogantly superior and disdainful.
• Pretentious: attempting to impress by affecting greater importance or merit than is actually possessed.
• Condescending: having or showing an attitude of patronizing superiority.

Antonyms

• Humble: having or showing a modest or low estimate of one's own importance.
• Down-to-earth: practical and realistic.
• Unpretentious: not attempting to impress others with an appearance of greater importance, talent, or culture than is actually possessed.

Idioms and Phrases

• "to turn one's nose up at something/someone": to show disdain or contempt for something/someone, often in a snobby way.
  • She turned her nose up at the idea of eating at a fast-food restaurant.
• "to look down one's nose at someone": to regard someone with a feeling of superiority.
  • He looks down his nose at anyone who works in a trade.

Adjective

1. befitting or characteristic of those who incline to social exclusiveness and who rebuff the advances of people considered inferior