Cliquey
Describing a social environment, group, or setting characterized by exclusive social circles, where individuals within the 'clique' often exclude or are perceived to exclude outsiders. This exclusivity manifests through preferential treatment, shared inside jokes, and a reluctance to interact with those not considered part of the in-group. Cliquey behavior can range from subtle social cues to overt acts of rejection, contributing to feelings of isolation and alienation. The core element of being Cliquey revolves around social boundaries and the uneven distribution of social acceptance and influence.
Cliquey meaning with examples
- The high school cafeteria was notoriously cliquey. The cheerleaders, football players, and popular kids all had their designated tables, and it was nearly impossible for an outsider to join without enduring a series of judging stares and passive-aggressive comments. This fostered a hostile environment and a sense of belonging for only a select few.
- During the company's team-building activity, a clear divide emerged, highlighting the Cliquey nature of the sales department. The long-standing team members remained closed off, only interacting with each other while new members were mostly left out of the conversations and activities. It made building a cohesive unit feel rather impossible.
- Despite being a small town, the local community centre felt surprisingly cliquey. There were well-established groups who had their specific activities at times that seemed made to avoid the others. Newcomers would have a very hard time gaining any acceptance or finding their way into the various happenings.
- The online forum dedicated to a specific hobby proved surprisingly Cliquey, with a handful of long-term users dominating the discussions and actively shutting down contributions from newer members. They all had shared histories and would often joke about things the outsiders had no chance of knowing.
- Even within the book club, a sense of Cliquey favoritism was present. The more established members tended to steer conversations and decisions. New members felt a hesitation when expressing their opinions, fearing they would not be taken seriously and the others would shut them down.
