hoi polloi
[ hoi puh-loi ]
/ ˈhɔɪ pəˈlɔɪ /
plural noun
the common people; the masses (often preceded by the).
Origin of hoi polloi
1815–25; < Greek: the many
Words nearby hoi polloi
hohenlohe,
hohenstaufen,
hohenzollern,
hohhot,
hohokam,
hoi polloi,
hoick,
hoicks,
hoiden,
hoihow,
hoise
Example sentences from the Web for hoi polloi
No use letting the "hoi-polloi" get on to it that I was a greenhorn.
An American Hobo in Europe |Ben GoodkindThis was to be a plush project for big spenders, with Vegas and Reno reserved for the hoi-polloi.
Mars Confidential |Jack LaitAs was well known, when Harris Collins performed he performed only for the élite, for the hoi-polloi of the trained-animal world.
Michael, Brother of Jerry |Jack London
British Dictionary definitions for hoi polloi
hoi polloi
/ (ˌhɔɪ pəˈlɔɪ) /
pl n
often derogatory
the masses; common people
Word Origin for hoi polloi
Greek, literally: the many
Cultural definitions for hoi polloi
hoi polloi
[ (hoy puh-loy) ]
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.”