👥 Hoi Polloi: Embracing the Medley of the Masses
“Hoi polloi” – a phrase that’s just so fancy it feels ironic, right? After all, it’s Greek for the down-to-earth “common people,” yet isn’t it fascinatingly posh to utter? Think of it as a verbal paradox, like ordering a $15 avocado toast at a regular local diner! First brought to us by the illustrious John Dryden in 1668, this term made waves in his “Essay of Dramatick Poesie.” Talk about ancient trendsetting! 😎
Synonyms
- The masses
- Common folk
- General public
- The multitude
- The crowd
Antonyms
- The elite
- High society
- The crème de la crème
- Upper echelon
- Aristocracy
Humor-Filled Quotes and Proverbs
- “Those who belong to the hoi polloi can still be mighty cool; popcorn and Netflix, anyone? 🍿” — Average Joe
- “The hoi polloi clap the loudest!”
Related Terms and Idioms
- Man of the people
- Grassroots movement
- Salt of the earth
- Vim and vigor
- Men in the street
From Literature, Music, and Cinema
- Book: “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen – Delight in the contrasting worlds of the fancy elite and the loving hoi polloi.
- Song: “Common People” by Pulp – Because we all want to live like common people sometimes.
- Poetry: Walt Whitman’s poetry – He’s the poet of the people; perfect for appreciating the nuanced beauty of the hoi polloi.
- Movie: “Forrest Gump” – Dive into the life of an extraordinary common man whose everyman journey inspires all of hoi polloi.
Thought-Provoking Farewell
Whether you’re strolling with the upper crust or hanging out with the hoi polloi, remember that every great story is penned by lives both humble and grand. Wear your “common” badge with pride, for within the hoi polloi rests the heart of human experience.
### Which phrase also means 'the masses'?
- [x] Hoi polloi
- [ ] Creme de la creme
- [ ] High society
- [ ] Glitterati
> **Explanation:** "Hoi polloi" directly translates to "the masses" or common people, unlike the other terms that denote elite groups.
### Completing the phrase: "It's no matter what the _____ thinks; their judgment is a mere lottery."
- [ ] creme de la creme
- [x] hoi polloi
- [ ] VIPs
- [ ] royal court
> **Explanation:** As used by John Dryden in 1668, "hoi polloi" was meant to indicate the common people's judgment, portrayed as unpredictable.
### True or False: The term "hoi polloi" is of Latin origin.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** "Hoi polloi" is, in fact, Greek for the common people, not Latin.
