If someone refers to thehoi polloi, they are referring in a humorous or rather rude way to ordinary people, in contrast to rich, well-educated, or upper-class people.
Monstrously inflated costs are designed to keep the hoi polloi at bay.
Synonyms: the common people, the masses, the (common) herd, the underclass More Synonyms of hoi polloi
hoi polloi in British English
(ˌhɔɪ pəˈlɔɪ)
plural noun
often derogatory
ordinary people collectively
Word origin
Greek, literally: the many
hoi polloi in American English
(ˈhɔɪpəˈlɔɪ)
the common people; the masses
usually patronizing or contemptuous: sometimes preceded by the
Word origin
Gr, lit., the many
Examples of 'hoi polloi' in a sentence
hoi polloi
With a cheaper version of the book for hoi polloi ,' she added, chortling with pleasure.
Laurie R. King FOLLY (2001)
(noun)
Definition
the ordinary people when compared to the rich or well-educated
Inflated costs are designed to keep the hoi polloi at bay.
Synonyms
the common people
the masses
His music is commercial. It is aimed at the masses.
the (common) herd
the underclass
the populace
the proletariat
the lower orders
the rabble
the great unwashed (informal, derogatory)
the plebs
the third estate
riffraff
the proles (derogatory, slang, mainly British)
canaille (French)
commonalty
admass
Additional synonyms
in the sense of canaille
Definition
the masses or rabble
Synonyms
rabble (derogatory),
masses,
mob,
scum,
populace,
proletariat,
hoi polloi,
plebs,
ragtag,
riffraff,
vulgar herd
in the sense of the masses
Definition
ordinary people as a group
His music is commercial. It is aimed at the masses.