“Hoi Polloi” Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on October 16, 2024 by Liam Daniel

You may hear the term ‘hoi polloi’ used in an English conversation, but what does this phrase mean? We will take a look at the meaning of this term and how it can be used effectively in a conversation. We will also look at the history behind the phrase and where it came from in the first place.

Hoi Polloi Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • “Hoi polloi” means “the common people” or “the masses,” often used to refer to the general population, sometimes with a dismissive or elitist tone.
Hoi Polloi Meaning
Hoi Polloi Meaning – Created by 7ESL

“Hoi Polloi” Definition

“Hoi polloi” is a Greek term that means “the common people” or “the masses.” It is often used to refer to the ordinary or general population, sometimes in a slightly dismissive or elitist way, implying a distinction between the common people and the upper classes or elites.

For example:

  • “The VIP section was separated from the hoi polloi.”

Though the term originally had a neutral meaning in Greek, in English usage it can carry a connotation of looking down on the general public.

Origin of this Phrase

The phrase “hoi polloi” originates from ancient Greek, where “hoi” means “the” and “polloi” means “many” or “the masses.” The term literally translates to “the many” and was used to refer to the common people or the majority in ancient Greek texts.

In English, it was adopted in the early 19th century, primarily by scholars, and over time, it came to carry a somewhat elitist or dismissive tone, implying a distinction between the educated or elite classes and the general population. Despite its Greek roots, “hoi polloi” is often used in modern English to mean “the common crowd” or “ordinary people.”

Interestingly, since “hoi” means “the,” the phrase “the hoi polloi” is technically redundant, though it’s commonly used that way in English.

Usage of “Hoi Polloi”

Here are examples of how “hoi polloi” can be used in sentences:

  1. Referring to the general public:
    • “The exclusive event was not open to the hoi polloi, only to high-profile guests.”
  2. Implying a sense of elitism or separation:
    • “She prefers fine dining and avoids places frequented by the hoi polloi.”
  3. Used humorously to refer to oneself as part of the masses:
    • “I may not be a celebrity, but I’m happy to live among the hoi polloi.”
  4. In discussions about class or social distinctions:
    • “The politician spoke as if he understood the concerns of the hoi polloi, though he lived a life of luxury.”

It is often used in contexts where there is a distinction between social classes or to emphasize the separation between elites and the common people.

Related Terms to “Hoi Polloi”

  • “The masses” – Refers to the majority of people or the general public.
  • “The common folk” – A casual term for ordinary people.
  • “The proletariat” – Refers to the working-class people, often used in political or Marxist contexts.
  • “The rabble” – A somewhat derogatory term for the common crowd or disorderly group of people.
  • “The plebeians” – Originally from Roman history, referring to the common people, often contrasted with the elite or aristocrats.
  • “The crowd” – A more neutral term for a large group of people, often referring to the general public.
  • “Ordinary people” – A straightforward way to refer to the general population.
  • “The lower class” – A term used to describe the social class comprising those with less wealth or social status.
  • “The peasantry” – Refers to rural, working-class people, typically in historical or feudal contexts.
  • “Everyman” – Refers to the average or typical person, often used to represent common human experiences.

Other Ways to Say the Phrase

There are other ways in which you can express the meaning of the term ‘hoi polloi.’ Here are a few examples of other things you could say.

  • The great unwashed
  • The masses
  • Commoners

“Hoi Polloi” Examples

Examples in Statements

This is a statement made by a prince.

  • ‘I am not looking forward to this event, it will be just me and the hoi polloi.’

The next statement is one made by a newspaper reporter.

  • ‘The festival was not one aimed at the high class members of society but more for the hoi polloi.’

Other examples:

  • They had little faith that the hoi polloi would very soon be using computers.
  • They helped keep the 3.800 delegates and alternates, more than 90 percent white, from the hoi polloi.
  • Monstrously inflated costs are designed to keep the hoi polloi at bay.
  • Anthony will be in the VIP lounge where he doesn’t have to mix with the hoi polloi.

Conversation Examples

If you are curious to see how the term ‘hoi polloi’ would work in a conversation, here are some examples to show how it would fit in.

The first conversation is taking place between a mother and daughter.

  • Person 1: “You cannot go to that party this weekend.”
  • Person 2: “Why not?”
  • Person 1: “Because it will just be full of hoi polloi, you are better than that.”

This next conversation features two friends discussing an upcoming event.

  • Person 1: “Are you going to go to the awards weekend?”
  • Person 2: “No, I don’t think I will, are you?”
  • Person 1: “Definitely not, it’s going to be full of hoi polloi.”
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