PhrasesHub

Hoi polloi

    Definitions

      • the common people
        Referring to the general population or the masses, often with a connotation of being unrefined or unsophisticated

    Examples of Hoi polloi

    • The pop star's latest album has been a hit with the hoi polloi, meaning it has gained popularity among the general public.

      Hoi polloi is an ancient Greek term that literally translates to "the majority" or "the common people." In modern usage, it refers to the average or ordinary people within a society or community, as opposed to the elite or upper class. In this example, the use of hoi polloi implies that the album has gained a wide following among a diverse range of people, rather than just appealing to a niche or specific audience.

    • The politician gave a speech that catered to the hoi polloi, addressing their concerns and using relatable examples to connect with them.

      Hoi polloi refers to the common people, the majority of a population who are not part of the elite or ruling class. In this context, the politician's speech aimed to appeal to the masses by addressing their needs and making them feel included and understood.

    • The movie's plot was simple and easy to follow, avoiding the complexities and highbrow themes that often appeal to intellectual elites at the expense of the hoi polloi.

      In this example, hoi polloi is used to describe the ordinary moviegoers who prefer straightforward and accessible storylines over convoluted and challenging ones. The phrase highlights how some forms of entertainment prioritize the preferences of the general audience over the critical and intellectual community.

    • The party favored the hoi polloi, promising to address their grievances and improve their standard of living through policies that benefited the common people.

      In politics, the term hoi polloi is frequently used to describe the masses who are not part of the political elite. The phrase "favored the hoi polloi" implies that the party's policies and priorities were geared towards meeting the needs and expectations of the general population rather than catering to the interests of the wealthy or powerful.

    • The commercial was statistically sound, following the hoi polloi's preferences and expectations to maximize sales and profits.

      In this example, hoi polloi refers to the typical consumer, who is influenced by factors such as brand loyalty, pricing, and packaging. The phrase highlights how marketing strategies often rely on the behavior and preferences of the general population to achieve commercial success.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "hoi polloi" is used to refer to the common people or the masses. It is often used with a connotation of being unrefined or unsophisticated. The intention behind using this idiom is to differentiate between the general population and the elite or upper class.

    The idiom is typically used to highlight the divide between the common people and those in positions of power or privilege. It can be used to emphasize the differences in social status or to draw attention to the perspectives and experiences of the majority.

    In conclusion, "hoi polloi" is a term used to refer to the common people, often with a connotation of being unrefined or unsophisticated. It serves to highlight the distinction between the general population and those in positions of privilege.

    Origin of "Hoi polloi"

    The idiom "hoi polloi" originates from Greek, where "hoi" means "the" and "polloi" means "many" or "the masses." It has been adopted into English from Greek and is used to refer to the common people or the masses. The term has historically been used to distinguish between the common people and the elite or upper class, highlighting the social divide between the two groups.

    The use of "hoi polloi" in English can be traced back to the 19th century, and it has since become a commonly used idiom to refer to the general population. Its origins in Greek language and its adoption into English reflect the longstanding awareness of social class distinctions and the use of language to highlight these differences. Examples of this idiom can be found in literature, political discourse, and everyday conversations, where it continues to be used to emphasize the divide between the common people and those in positions of privilege.