The phrase "looks down nose at" is used to describe a condescending attitude towards someone. The correct spelling for this phrase can be broken down phonetically as lʊks daʊn noʊz æt. The "oo" sound in "looks" is pronounced like the "u" in "full", while the "ow" sound in "down" is pronounced like the "ou" in "house". The "o" in "nose" is pronounced like the "o" in "note", and the "a" in "at" is pronounced like the "a" in "cat".
The phrase "looks down their nose at" is an idiom that conveys a negative attitude or behavior towards someone or something, suggesting an air of superiority or arrogance. It refers to the act of figuratively tilting the head backward and peering through the elevated position of one's nose in a disapproving or disdainful manner, as if one were physically looking down upon someone or something of lesser worth or importance.
When someone "looks down their nose at" another person or group, they are expressing their belief that they are superior or more sophisticated in some way, and thus, they treat the other person or group with contempt, scorn, or condescension. This idiom often implies a judgmental attitude, where the person exhibiting this behavior considers themselves to be of higher social standing, intelligence, or moral character.
The intention behind "looking down their nose at" can be rooted in a variety of reasons, such as a difference in social status, educational background, lifestyle, or personal preferences. It is frequently associated with snobbishness, superiority complexes, or a lack of empathy for others. This idiom can be used in various contexts, ranging from interpersonal relationships to societal dynamics, and it is often associated with negative perceptions, as it implies a form of discrimination or prejudice.