snobbish
UK: ˈsnɒbɪʃ | US: ˈsnɑːbɪʃ
adj. behaving as if superior to others, often due to social status or perceived refinement
adj. characteristic of a snob; elitist or condescending
The word "snob" originated in late 18th-century England, possibly as slang for a shoemaker or a person of low social standing (later inverted to mean someone who pretends to high status). By the 19th century, "snob" evolved to describe someone who admires social hierarchies and disdains those deemed inferior. The suffix "-ish" (from Old English "-isc") was added to form the adjective, implying "having the traits of a snob." The term reflects societal tensions around class and pretension.
Her snobbish attitude made her unpopular at the community event.
He refused to eat at casual restaurants, a habit his friends called snobbish.
The club’s snobbish policies excluded anyone without a prestigious background.
She criticized his taste in music with a snobbish smirk.
Despite his wealth, he was never snobbish toward others.