Snob facts for kids

Caricature of American lawyer and socialite Ward McAllister (1855–1908) pointing Uncle Sam to "an English Snob of the 19th Century" and saying how he must imitate him or "you will nevah be a gentleman". Uncle Sam is shown laughing heartily.

A snob is a person who believes that someone's value depends on their social status. This can include how much money they have, their education, or even their physical appearance. A snob often feels they are better than others who have less money, education, or a different background. The word snobbery first appeared in England around the 1820s.

What is Snobbery?

Snobbery is when people act like they are better than others. They might look down on people who don't have the same things they do. This could be about money, education, or even taste in music or clothes.

Snobs Through History

Throughout history, snobs have often tried to fit in with important groups. For example, in ancient Sparta, some people might have tried to impress soldiers. In old Rome, they might have tried to impress bishops. Snobs are always looking for ways to show they are special. As what is considered "special" changes, so do the things snobs admire.

Snobbery was also present in Europe during the Middle Ages. Back then, what people wore, how they acted, and even how they spoke were often set by rules for each social class. The poet Geoffrey Chaucer wrote about a character who spoke French from Stratford atte Bowe. This was seen as less fancy than French spoken in Paris. This shows how even language could be a way to judge someone's social standing.

How Snobbery Grew

Snobbery became more common as society changed. When the middle class (called the bourgeoisie) started to gain wealth, they sometimes tried to copy the habits of the aristocracy (the noble families). Snobbery happens when certain parts of culture are seen as belonging only to the rich or powerful. Some people, the snobs, think that if they just adopt these fashions or tastes, they will be seen as part of that elite group.

What is a Snob Victim?

Sometimes, the word "snob" is used incorrectly. It's not just about someone who shows off their wealth. A "snob victim" is a person who tries very hard to show off their money or fancy things. They might buy expensive clothes, jewelry, or cars just to make others think they are rich.

Showing off awards or talents in a rude way, or bragging, can also be a type of snobbery. A well-known example of a "snob victim" is the TV character Hyacinth Bucket. She is from the BBC comedy series Keeping Up Appearances. She constantly tries to impress people with her supposed high social status.

Snobbish Words

A linguist named Ghil'ad Zuckermann came up with the term snobbative. This is a fancy or over-the-top phrase someone uses to sound snobbish. It's like a word that's changed to sound more "correct" or important, even if it's not.

For example, in Israeli Hebrew, some people might say a word in a slightly different way to sound more educated or refined. This can be like saying "filozófya" instead of "filosófya" for "philosophy." The "z" sound might have been inspired by how German professors spoke, making it sound more sophisticated to some.

See also

• Arrogance
• Classism
• Discrimination
• Elitism
• Prejudice
• Pride
• Social climber
• Superiority complex
• The Book of Snobs
• The Snob (1924 film)

Images for kids

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  In Spanish: Esnob para niños

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  Ad for the American film The Snob, 1921 film with Wanda Hawley and Walter Hiers, on inside front cover of the January 30, 1921 Film Daily.