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Meaning & use

snobby

adjective·Everydayinformaldisapproving

Last updated

UK/ˈsnɒbi/
US/ˈsnɑːbi/
Usage warning: this word is disapproving. It shows a negative opinion, so take care with who and what you use it about.

Meanings

  1. adjectivecomparableinformaldisapproving

    Acting as if you are better than other people because of your money, taste or position.

    Grammar: Comparative: snobbier; superlative: snobbiest. Used with people and their behavior.

    Patterns

    • snobby about something
    • snobby toward someone

    He was snobby about anyone who did not own a boat.

    The waiter gave us a snobby look.

    She felt the shop assistants were being snobby.

  2. adjectivecomparableinformaldisapproving

    Typical of places, clubs or groups that look down on outsiders and keep them out.

    Grammar: Describes places or institutions as well as people.

    Patterns

    • a snobby club
    • a snobby school

    They joined a snobby club that turned away newcomers.

    It's a snobby neighborhood with a long waiting list.

    The restaurant had a snobby atmosphere.

Word forms

comparativesnobbier
superlativesnobbiest

Common combinations

snobby attitude
His snobby attitude put people off.
snobby about
She is snobby about food.
snobby look
A snobby look crossed her face.
snobby crowd
The party attracted a snobby crowd.
a bit snobby
The school can seem a bit snobby.

Synonyms and how they differ

snobbish
Snobbish is the more standard and slightly more formal form of the same meaning.
stuck-up
Stuck-up is more informal and blunt, and focuses on pride more than taste.
condescending
Condescending describes the way someone talks down to others, not the reason behind it.
pretentious
Pretentious suggests showing off or pretending to be more cultured than you are.

Opposites

humbledown-to-earthmodest

Word family

snob noun
a person who looks down on people of lower status
snobbery noun
snobby attitudes and behavior
snobbish adjective
behaving as if you are better than others
snobbishly adverb
in a way that looks down on others
snobbiness noun
the quality of being snobby

Commonly confused: snobby or snobbish? snobby or snub?

snobby vs snobbish

Snobbish is the more formal word with the same meaning; snobby is more casual.

snobby vs snub

Snub means to ignore someone on purpose, while snobby describes a general attitude.

Practice

Their ___ attitude toward newcomers made the club feel unwelcoming.

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