snob

[ snob ]

noun

1. a person who imitates, cultivates, or slavishly admires social superiors and is condescending or overbearing to others.
2. a person who claims to be an expert or connoisseur in a given field and is condescending toward or disdainful of those who hold other opinions or have different tastes regarding this field:

   a musical snob.

snob

/ snɒb /

noun

1. 1. a person who strives to associate with those of higher social status and who behaves condescendingly to others Compare inverted snob
   2. ( as modifier )

      snob appeal

2. a person having similar pretensions with regard to his tastes, etc

   an intellectual snob

Derived Forms

• ˈsnobbishly, adverb
• ˈsnobbery, noun
• ˈsnobbishness, noun
• ˈsnobby, adjective
• ˈsnobbish, adjective

Other Words From

• an·ti·snob noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of snob¹

First recorded in 1775–85; origin uncertain; first used as a nickname for “a cobbler or cobbler's apprentice,” hence “a townsman, someone of low class or lacking good breeding, commoner,” hence ”someone who imitates persons of higher rank”

Word History and Origins

Origin of snob¹

C18 (in the sense: shoemaker; hence, C19: a person who flatters those of higher station, etc): of unknown origin

Example Sentences

Edinburgh University has warned students from privileged backgrounds not to be "snobs" towards their peers from Scottish and working-class backgrounds.

From BBC

Leaf snobs are quick to note that the West Coast doesn’t have anything approaching the variety of colors that appear this time of year in New England.

From Los Angeles Times

She hit her stride with imperious characters and class-conscious snobs.

From Los Angeles Times

So the president’s opponents depicted him as a snob who dined on turtle soup and foie gras.

From Los Angeles Times

But he frequently condemns those who disagree with him as snobs, racists or corrupt.

From Los Angeles Times