clique
UK: kliːk | US: kliːk
n. a small, exclusive group of people with shared interests or purposes, often perceived as elitist or snobbish.
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The word "clique" entered English in the early 18th century from French, where it originally meant "a sharp noise" or "a click," later evolving to denote a tight-knit group (perhaps metaphorically suggesting people "clicking" together). The French term likely derived from Old French cliquer ("to click"), of imitative origin (mimicking a snapping sound). Over time, its meaning shifted to describe social exclusivity, retaining its core idea of cohesion but with a negative connotation of exclusion.
The office has a small clique that always eats lunch together.
She felt excluded from the popular clique at school.
The club was criticized for being a clique of wealthy elites.
Breaking into the artistic clique proved difficult for newcomers.
His refusal to join any clique made him an outsider in the industry.