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

But a certain reverse snobbery attaches itself to salad cream.

From The Guardian • Dec. 5, 2019

“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 • Mar. 21, 2019

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

From Slate • Dec. 1, 2017

It is the kind of reverse snobbery that no lawyer can defend against.

From Time • Jun. 9, 2011

But it would bring out some of our less attractive characteristics, such as reverse snobbery, competitive umbrage and an overfondness for litigation as a way of slicing the pie.

From Time Magazine Archive