Illiterati

Illiterati, a somewhat jocular term, refers to people who are uneducated, especially those lacking basic reading and writing skills. It's a playful, often sarcastic label for individuals deficient in literacy. The term can apply to those with little or no formal education or those who, despite having some schooling, haven't retained or developed strong literacy skills. It implies a lack of awareness of cultural or intellectual matters that typically accompany literacy. Often used in a humorous or critical context, it contrasts with the 'literati' or 'intelligentsia'.

Illiterati meaning with examples

• After that social media outrage, the illiterati's comments revealed a stunning ignorance of the issue, shocking even the most cynical observers with their inability to grasp fundamental concepts. Their posts were filled with grammatical errors and factual inaccuracies. It just showed how little people actually know and how much effort it takes to read a basic article.
• The comedian's jokes often targeted the illiterati, lampooning their perceived lack of sophistication and their reliance on popular culture over substance. His audiences, on the other hand, found it hilarious. He poked fun at the cultural gaps between him and some of his audience, but ultimately it was good fun for all.
• In the heated online debate, the professor accused his opponents of being illiterati, dismissing their arguments as illogical and unsupported by evidence. His comments, however, were found to be a bit condescending to some, as many of his supporters claimed their intellectual ability to be as good, or better.
• The museum's curator lamented the rising number of visitors who, he believed, were the illiterati, only interested in the spectacle and not in learning about the art. His staff, however, disagreed, claiming that the crowds simply enjoyed the art for what it was and had their own level of knowledge.
• Despite the candidate's educational background, the campaign strategist worried about how the illiterati would perceive his complicated policy proposals, which could affect the election. To address this, the strategist had the candidate dumb down his explanations to better suit a broader audience of people and their own experiences.