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

But when you're faking it, if you're not careful, reverse snobbery can look a lot like the traditional kind.

From Slate • Dec. 1, 2017

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

From Time • Jun. 9, 2011

Today, snobberies of residence and place can sometimes be achieved by the familiar flip into reverse snobbery.

From Time Magazine Archive