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View synonyms for hoity-toity

hoity-toity

[ hoi-tee-toi-tee ]

adjective

  1. assuming airs; pretentious; highfalutin; haughty:

    He thinks he's better than we are because he went to one of those hoity-toity private schools.



noun

  1. giddy behavior.

hoity-toity

/ ˌhɔɪtɪˈtɔɪtɪ /

adjective

  1. informal.
    arrogant or haughty

    we have had enough of her hoity-toity manner

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Word History and Origins

Origin of hoity-toity1

First recorded in 1660–70; reduplicated and altered rhyming compound based on hoit “to romp, riot, play the fool” (now obsolete)
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Word History and Origins

Origin of hoity-toity1

C17: rhyming compound based on C16 hoit to romp, of obscure origin
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Example Sentences

Called by the hoity toity term of nasal insufflation, this method was used by some in Asia till a few hundred years ago.

Unlike hoity-toity displays of pedigree fluff, the Average Joe Cat Show is a celebration of middling felines.

How did the most American of retailers get mixed up with a hoity-toity Parisian boutique?

"Hoity-toity," said the waiter, and he left off throwing the sand.

"Hoity-toity," said the old gentleman, turning round in some surprise, and even dismay when he caught sight of her face.

Sir Thomas did offer to help him, but he was perhaps a little hoity-toity, giving himself airs.

Lucille's haughty and fiery temper could hardly brook this hoity-toity assumption of authority.

Lor' bless ye, my son; you talks wonnerful hoity-toity; but in my country they would clap ye into a cage.

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hoist by one's own petardHojo