Hoi Polloi

Pronunciation: /ˈhɔɪ pəˈlɔɪ/

Definitions of hoi polloi

noun the common people; the masses

Example Sentences

A1 The hoi polloi gathered in the town square for the festival.

A2 The hoi polloi were excited to meet the famous singer.

B1 The hoi polloi were not impressed by the fancy restaurant's menu.

B2 The hoi polloi demanded better living conditions from the government.

C1 The hoi polloi organized a protest to demand political reform.

C2 The hoi polloi's discontent with the ruling class led to a revolution.

Examples of hoi polloi in a Sentence

formal The exclusive event was attended by high society individuals, far removed from the hoi polloi.

informal The fancy restaurant is not really my scene, too many hoi polloi for my liking.

slang I can't stand hanging out with the hoi polloi at that dive bar.

figurative The artist's work was not appreciated by the hoi polloi, but it was highly praised by art critics.

Grammatical Forms of hoi polloi

• plural: hoi polloi
• comparative: more hoi polloi
• superlative: most hoi polloi
• present tense: are hoi polloi
• future tense: will be hoi polloi
• perfect tense: have been hoi polloi
• continuous tense: are being hoi polloi
• singular: hoi polloi
• positive degree: hoi polloi
• infinitive: to be hoi polloi
• gerund: being hoi polloi
• participle: hoi polloi

Origin and Evolution of hoi polloi

First Known Use: 1837 year

Language of Origin: Greek

Story behind the word: The term 'hoi polloi' originated in ancient Greek as a phrase meaning 'the many' or 'the masses'. It was used to refer to the common people or the majority of society.

Evolution of the word: Over time, 'hoi polloi' has come to be used in English to refer to the common people in a somewhat derogatory or dismissive manner, implying a lack of sophistication or refinement. It has evolved from its original neutral meaning in Greek to take on a more negative connotation in English.