hoity-toity

[ hoi-tee-toi-tee ]

/ ˈhɔɪ tiˈtɔɪ ti /

assuming airs; pretentious; haughty.

giddy; flighty.

giddy behavior.

Origin of hoity-toity

First recorded in 1660–70; rhyming compound based on hoit to romp, riot (now obsolete)

hoise, hoisin, hoisin sauce, hoist, hoist by one's own petard, hoity-toity, hojo, hoka, hokan, hoke, hokey

How did the most American of retailers get mixed up with a hoity-toity Parisian boutique?

Voilà, Le Gap! |Choire Sicha |September 24, 2009 |DAILY BEAST
The Smith boy appears to be a very nice young fellow, and remarkably sensible for a young person in this hoity-toity age.

Mary-'Gusta |Joseph C. Lincoln
It was Paddy and Hoity-Toity engaged in animated discussion.

The O'Ruddy |Stephen Crane
I know the girl for a sly, scheming, hoity-toity flirt, but to think that she'd act so low like!

The Long Chance |Peter B. Kyne

"Hoity-toity," said the waiter, and he left off throwing the sand.

Sybil |Benjamin Disraeli
I barred the door even as Hoity-Toity's fist thundered on the oak.

The O'Ruddy |Stephen Crane

hoity-toity

/ (ˌhɔɪtɪˈtɔɪtɪ) /

informal arrogant or haughty we have had enough of her hoity-toity manner

C17: rhyming compound based on C16 hoit to romp, of obscure origin