hioi: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
RareLiterary, Humorous, Sometimes Derogatory
Quick answer
What does “hioi” mean?
The common people.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The common people; the masses (often used with mild or humorous derogation).
A term from Greek, literally meaning 'the many', now used in English to refer to the general populace, often implying they are unsophisticated compared to a perceived elite. Its use frequently carries a tone of ironic or snobbish detachment.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Slightly more common in British English, but used in both varieties. The tautological 'the hoi polloi' is common in informal usage in both regions.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries connotations of class distinction. It can sound pretentious or archly humorous.
Frequency
Uncommon in everyday speech; appears more in writing, satire, and commentary.
Grammar
How to Use “hioi” in a Sentence
[Subject] considered it beneath them to mix with the hoi polloi.The exclusive club was not for the hoi polloi.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used. Might appear in hyperbolic commentary about mass-market products vs. luxury goods.
Academic
Used in historical, sociological, or classical studies discussing class structures or Greek terminology.
Everyday
Very rare in casual conversation. If used, it's typically ironic or humorous.
Technical
Not applicable.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hioi”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “hioi”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hioi”
- Using it as a singular noun (e.g., 'a hoi polloi'). It is a plural collective noun.
- Adding an unnecessary 's' to make it 'hoi pollois'.
- Pronouncing 'polloi' as /pɒˈlɔɪ/ instead of /pəˈlɔɪ/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a plural collective noun, referring to a group. You should use plural verbs (e.g., 'The hoi polloi are...').
While 'hoi' means 'the' in Greek, the tautological form 'the hoi polloi' is widely accepted in modern English usage, especially in informal contexts. Purists and stylists may avoid it.
Not always. Its tone depends heavily on context. It can be used humorously or self-deprecatingly (e.g., 'I'll be vacationing with the hoi polloi this year'). However, it often carries a sniff of superiority.
It functions exclusively as a noun (specifically, a plural collective noun).
The common people.
Hioi is usually literary, humorous, sometimes derogatory in register.
Hioi: in British English it is pronounced /ˌhɔɪ pəˈlɔɪ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌhɔɪ pəˈlɔɪ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Not for the hoi polloi”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
HOI POLLOI sounds like 'HOY, you lot!' – a (somewhat rude) call to a crowd of common people.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIETY IS A HIERARCHICAL PYRAMID (with the hoi polloi at the broad base).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common criticism of the phrase 'the hoi polloi' from a linguistic purist's perspective?