HOI POLLOI Definition & Meaning

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hoi polloi

[ hoi puh-loi ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

plural noun

Often the hoi polloi. the common people; the masses.

hoi polloi

/ ˌhɔɪ pəˈlɔɪ /

plural noun

derogatory.
the masses; common people

hoi polloi

The masses, the ordinary folk; the phrase is often used in a derogatory way to refer to a popular preference or incorrect opinion: “The hoi polloi may think that Fitzgerald is a great director, but those who know about film realize that his work is commercial and derivative.” From Greek, meaning “the many.”

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of hoi polloi¹

First recorded in 1835–40; written in Greek letters in 1668 ; from Greek hoi polloí “the many”

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of hoi polloi¹

Greek, literally: the many

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

VIP tends to have more of the nice, air-conditioned trailer-style portable bathrooms, and there are also exclusive food and beverage spots the hoi polloi can’t access.

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Its bar was a favorite spot not to be recognized by the hoi polloi, and its terrace was popular for weddings.

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Known for only wearing metallic animal masks and formal attire, the VIPs are the filthy rich who pay to watch and bet on the desperate hoi polloi who compete in the Squid Game.

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One section of the bookcases separating Founders patrons from the hotel’s hoi polloi holds pricey bottles of liquor, also individually lit, held under lock and key.

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Here, Frasier indulges in an uncharacteristic beer: “Sitting here with a cold brew in my hand, I feel amalgamated with the hoi polloi,” he says.

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