hoi polloi: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 (Very Low Frequency)Formal, Literary, Humorous (when used ironically)
Quick answer
What does “hoi polloi” mean?
The common people.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The common people; the masses (often used with a derogatory or patronising tone).
Refers to ordinary people, often in contrast to an elite, educated, or aristocratic class. It implies a lack of sophistication, culture, or wealth.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The redundant 'the' ('the hoi polloi') is common in both varieties.
Connotations
Equally patronising or ironic in both dialects. Might be perceived as slightly more pretentious or archaic in everyday American speech.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in British English, likely due to historical class-consciousness and its use in classic literature. Rare in casual conversation in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “hoi polloi” in a Sentence
[subject] looks down on the hoi polloi[subject] is not for the hoi polloito separate [oneself] from the hoi polloiVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hoi polloi” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Not used as a verb)
American English
- (Not used as a verb)
adverb
British English
- (Not used as an adverb)
American English
- (Not used as an adverb)
adjective
British English
- (Not used as a standard adjective. Attributive use is rare and non-standard: ?'a hoi polloi attitude')
American English
- (Not used as a standard adjective)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used ironically in marketing to describe a product not aimed at the mass market: 'This exclusive service isn't for the hoi polloi.'
Academic
Used in historical, sociological, or political texts discussing class structures.
Everyday
Very rare in casual talk. If used, it's almost always humorous or self-mocking: 'Shall we join the hoi polloi in the main dining room?'
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hoi polloi”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “hoi polloi”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hoi polloi”
- Mispronouncing 'polloi' to rhyme with 'alloy' (correct: puh-LOY).
- Using it as a singular noun (*'a hoi polloi'). It is inherently plural.
- Forgetting it is often used with 'the', despite the redundancy.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Although 'hoi' means 'the' in Greek, the phrase 'the hoi polloi' is the standard and overwhelmingly common form in English. Purists may object, but it is accepted usage.
It is inherently patronising and can be derogatory, implying the masses are uncultured. However, it is often used humorously or ironically to mock snobbery, rather than to genuinely insult ordinary people.
Yes, but with caution. It is appropriate in formal historical or sociological analysis. In other formal contexts, it may come across as archaic or overly stylised. Neutral terms like 'the general public' are often safer.
The direct antonyms are terms denoting a privileged elite, such as 'the aristocracy', 'the elite', 'the upper class', or 'the cognoscenti' (for intellectual elites).
The common people.
Hoi polloi: 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
- “[to be] above the hoi polloi”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a high-polluting (sounds like 'hoi polloi') factory where the common workers labour, separate from the clean office of the elite managers.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIAL HIERARCHY IS VERTICAL SPACE ('looking down on' the hoi polloi).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'hoi polloi' used CORRECTLY?