reverse snobbery

American  

[ri-vurs snahb-uh-ree] / rɪˈvɜrs ˈsnɑb ə ri /

noun

1. the denigration or shunning of people with higher ability, education, or social status, or of their tastes, work, etc., as an expression of sympathy or solidarity with people perceived as average or unprivileged.

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Example Sentences

“He didn’t feel it was dignified. I am well aware that this is a form of reverse snobbery.”

From Seattle Times

But a certain reverse snobbery attaches itself to salad cream.

From The Guardian

“I think there’s such a reverse snobbery about intellectuals that I think it would almost be seen as a badge of honor. I think that’s really concerning.”

From Washington Times

And it's the only kind of snobbery with any real power in America today: reverse snobbery.

From Slate

Reverse snobbery, unlike the traditional kind, is a tribute to democracy—it's egalitarianism overshooting the mark.

From Slate