snobocracy
Definition
Noun: - Government by snobs: "snobocracy" refers to a class or system of society where snobs—people who are condescending toward those they consider inferior and eager to admire those they consider superior—hold power or influence. It can also mean the snobs themselves as a collective ruling group.
Usage Examples
- (A group of snobs who controlled social status and influence.)
- (The ruling snobs of that era.)
Advanced Usage
- "to be part of the snobocracy": to belong to a group that values social hierarchy and exclusivity.
- She felt uncomfortable being part of the snobocracy at the exclusive club, where members often dismissed newcomers. (She was in a group of snobs with power over social acceptance.)
Variants and Related Words
- Snob (n): a person who believes they are superior to others because of their social class, wealth, or taste.
- He's such a snob about wine—he only drinks expensive French vintages. (A person with condescending attitudes.)
- Snobbery (n): the attitude or behavior of a snob.
- Their snobbery prevented them from associating with ordinary people. (Condescending behavior.)
- Snobbish (adj): characteristic of a snob.
- Her snobbish remarks about the local cuisine offended everyone. (Showing superiority.)
Synonyms
- Aristocracy: a ruling class of nobles (though not necessarily snobbish).
- Elite: a select group with high status (can imply snobbery in context).
- Upper class: the highest social class (may display snobbish attitudes).
Related Idioms
- To look down one's nose at someone: to treat someone with disdain or snobbery.
- The snobocracy looked down their noses at the new residents. (They showed contempt.)
- To be hoity-toity: to be pretentious or snobbish.
- The hoity-toity attitudes of the snobocracy made the party unbearable. (Pretentious and condescending.)