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.

2. giddy; flighty.

noun

1. giddy behavior.

hoity-toity

/ ˌhɔɪtɪˈtɔɪtɪ /

adjective

1. informal.
   arrogant or haughty

   we have had enough of her hoity-toity manner

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)

Word History and Origins

Origin of hoity-toity¹

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

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.

From The Daily Beast

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

From The Daily Beast

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

From The Daily Beast

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg