Snobbery

Snobbery refers to the attitude, behavior, or practice of a snob, often characterized by an exaggerated respect for high social status, wealth, or intellectual pursuits, coupled with disdain for those perceived as inferior. This elitist mindset frequently manifests as a strong preference for exclusive circles, luxury goods, and particular cultural tastes, accompanied by a tendency to judge others based on superficial markers of social standing. It often involves displaying an overestimation of one's own importance and achievements, resulting in a patronizing and dismissive attitude towards those deemed 'common' or 'unrefined'. snobbery aims to create social distance, reinforcing perceived hierarchies and often hindering genuine connection.

Snobbery meaning with examples

• At the art gallery, the discerning critic's constant commentary on 'inferior' pieces and his dismissive attitude towards other attendees reeked of snobbery. He only praised works from wealthy patrons, effectively silencing other artists. His actions caused others to feel judged and unworthy of the same social circle, creating an atmosphere of exclusivity and intimidation within the exhibit.
• Her choice of school and the brand of clothes were the hallmarks of her snobbery, constantly comparing her lifestyle to the lives of others. Her incessant talk about private schools and exclusive clubs, along with her disdain for anyone not meeting her perceived standards, clearly exhibited her prejudice. She believed that everyone should be as wealthy as her and belittled those that didn't have the same lifestyle.
• The author's prose, full of obscure references and complex sentence structures, was seen by some as an act of intellectual snobbery. The constant need to show-off her knowledge made her feel superior to everyone else. Although beautiful and poetic, it made the work inaccessible to the average reader, and the lack of clarity served to distance the author from her audience instead of creating connection.
• In the fashion industry, snobbery sometimes thrives, with designers and buyers fixated on expensive labels and exclusive events. This focus on fleeting trends and exorbitant price tags can alienate potential customers who are more interested in quality and value. This superficial approach often excludes those who are not deemed 'stylish' enough, creating an environment of judgment.
• The wine connoisseur's lengthy description of the 'subtle nuances' of a particular vintage, coupled with a condescending tone towards those who didn't appreciate it, was a perfect example of wine snobbery. The way he looked down on people who could not appreciate the complex flavours, it just demonstrated a superiority complex and a disconnect with others.