plebeian
UK: plɪˈbiːən | US: plɪˈbiːən
n. 1. A commoner or member of the lower social classes in ancient Rome.
n. 2. A person lacking refined tastes or cultural sophistication.
adj. 1. Relating to the common people; vulgar or unsophisticated.
The word "plebeian" traces back to Latin plebeius, derived from plebs (the common people of ancient Rome). The suffix -ian denotes association or belonging. Historically, plebeians were distinct from the patrician aristocracy, and the term later broadened to describe anything perceived as crude or unrefined. The evolution reflects societal hierarchies, where "plebeian" shifted from a neutral class label to a pejorative term for lack of elitism.
In ancient Rome, plebeians struggled for political rights against the patricians.
His plebeian tastes favored fast food over gourmet cuisine.
The aristocrat scorned the plebeian crowd at the festival.
Modern democracies aim to bridge plebeian and elite interests.
Critics dismissed the art as plebeian and lacking depth.