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

But the difference between championship-caliber teams such as Milwaukee and the league’s hoi polloi is knowing how to turn an inch into a mile.

From Washington Post • Mar. 5, 2023

Hardly anyone got a pay raise in 2020 as the pandemic savaged the economy—except those in the Executive Class—while in 2021 modest pay raises for the hoi polloi were widespread.

From Salon • Nov. 3, 2022

She installed a flashing “disco full” sign outside to discourage the hoi polloi and a slide-back peephole at the door to inspect supplicants for admission to the pounding music and gold-plated glamour of her Valhalla.

From New York Times • May 1, 2022

Presumably they were used to dazzle hoi polloi.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann