hoi polloi

noun
UK: /ˌhɔɪ pəˈlɔɪ/
US: /ˌhɔɪ pəˈlɔɪ/

  1. Ordinary people; the common people; often used in a derogatory way to refer to people perceived as unsophisticated or uncultured.

    1. The art gallery was clearly not intended for the hoi polloi.
    2. The elite club's membership requirements ensure the hoi polloi are kept at bay.

  2. The masses; the general population, especially when regarded as unsophisticated or uninformed.

    1. Such exquisite delicacies are wasted on the hoi polloi.
    2. The politician appealed to the hoi polloi with promises of economic reform.

Synonyms

the masses the rabble

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "hoi polloi" in English means: Ordinary people; the common people; often used in a derogatory way to refer to people perceived as unsophisticated or uncultured., The masses; the general population, especially when regarded as unsophisticated or uninformed..

The phonetic transcription of "hoi polloi" is /ˌhɔɪ pəˈlɔɪ/ in British English and /ˌhɔɪ pəˈlɔɪ/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "hoi polloi": the masses, the rabble.

Example usage of "hoi polloi": "The art gallery was clearly not intended for the hoi polloi.". More examples on the page.