hoi polloi

American  

[hoi puh-loi] / ˈhɔɪ pəˈlɔɪ /

plural noun

1. Often the hoi polloi the common people; the masses.

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hoi polloi British  

/ ˌhɔɪ pəˈlɔɪ /

plural noun

1. derogatory the masses; common people

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hoi polloi Cultural  

1. The masses, the ordinary folk; the phrase is often used in a derogatory way to refer to a popular preference or incorrect opinion: “The hoi polloi may think that Fitzgerald is a great director, but those who know about film realize that his work is commercial and derivative.” From Greek, meaning “the many.”

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Etymology

Origin of hoi polloi

First recorded in 1835–40; written in Greek letters in 1668 ; from Greek hoi polloí “the many”

Example Sentences

Its bar was a favorite spot not to be recognized by the hoi polloi, and its terrace was popular for weddings.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 25, 2025

The residents seemed “perfectly happy to have their rich neighbors looking at them, but they’re not happy to have hoi polloi at the Tate looking at them,” he said.

From New York Times • Feb. 1, 2023

Launched in 2006, Twitter created a space where the well-known could circumvent traditional media and communicate directly with fans to push messages or products while, in turn, increasing the site’s popularity among the hoi polloi.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 21, 2022

Tommy is good — if that’s even the right word — at stirring up hoi polloi.

From Washington Post • Oct. 13, 2021

Presumably they were used to dazzle hoi polloi.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann