glitterati: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2 (Upper-Intermediate to Advanced)Journalistic, informal, sometimes slightly ironic or critical.
Quick answer
What does “glitterati” mean?
A blend of 'glitter' and 'literati', referring to fashionable, famous, and wealthy people who attend glamorous social events and are often seen in the media.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A blend of 'glitter' and 'literati', referring to fashionable, famous, and wealthy people who attend glamorous social events and are often seen in the media.
The social group of celebrities, high-profile artists, media personalities, and wealthy elites, often associated with a glamorous, exclusive, and sometimes superficial lifestyle centered on parties, fashion, and public attention.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in meaning or spelling; the term is used similarly in both varieties.
Connotations
In both varieties, it can be used neutrally to describe a social group or with a slightly cynical/ironic tone to criticize superficial celebrity culture.
Frequency
Moderately low frequency in both, more likely found in lifestyle journalism, gossip columns, or cultural commentary than in everyday speech.
Grammar
How to Use “glitterati” in a Sentence
[Definite Article] + glitterati + [verb in plural form]The glitterati were out in force.The glitterati of [city/industry]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “glitterati” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- No standard verb form.
American English
- No standard verb form.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverb form.
American English
- No standard adverb form.
adjective
British English
- No standard adjective form. Use 'glittering' (e.g., a glittering occasion).
American English
- No standard adjective form. Use 'glitzy' (e.g., a glitzy party).
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in branding for luxury goods or high-end events (e.g., 'catering to the glitterati').
Academic
Very rare, might appear in cultural studies or media analysis discussing celebrity culture.
Everyday
Rare; used mainly in informal conversation about celebrity news or high-profile events.
Technical
Not applicable.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “glitterati”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “glitterati”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “glitterati”
- Treating it as a singular noun (e.g., 'He is a glitterati' – incorrect; it's 'He is part of the glitterati').
- Confusing it with 'literati', which refers to scholarly people.
- Misspelling as 'gliterati' or 'glitteratti'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is informal and journalistic, often found in gossip columns or lifestyle articles.
No, it is a plural collective noun. You cannot say 'a glitterati'. Instead, say 'a member of the glitterati' or 'one of the glitterati'.
They are very similar. 'Jet set' emphasizes international travel and a luxurious lifestyle, while 'glitterati' emphasizes fame, media presence, and glamour, often in artistic or entertainment circles.
It can be neutral, but it often carries a slightly ironic or critical tone, hinting at superficiality and an obsession with appearances and status.
A blend of 'glitter' and 'literati', referring to fashionable, famous, and wealthy people who attend glamorous social events and are often seen in the media.
Glitterati: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɡlɪt.əˈrɑː.ti/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɡlɪt̬.əˈrɑː.t̬i/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No specific idioms. The word itself is a lexicalized blend.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of GLITTER (shiny, attention-grabbing) + LITERATI (educated elite). The 'glitterati' are the shiny, glamorous elite.
Conceptual Metaphor
CELEBRITY IS A SHINY, VALUABLE SUBSTANCE (like glitter/gold). SOCIAL HIERARCHY IS A SPECTRUM OF BRIGHTNESS (the glitterati are the brightest).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary nuance of the word 'glitterati' compared to just 'celebrities'?