The spelling of the word "snobbery" is a bit tricky as it contains multiple sounds that are not spelled the way they are pronounced. In IPA phonetic transcription, "snobbery" is spelled as /ˈsnɒbəri/ where the "o" sound is pronounced like "ah" and the "e" sound at the end is silent. The "sn" sound is a combination of s and n sounds. "B" and "r" sounds are pronounced as usual. Despite the complicated spelling, "snobbery" is a common word used to describe someone who has a superiority complex or behaves in a haughty manner.
Snobbery is the quality or characteristic of being a snob. A snob is an individual who holds a belief in their own superiority or social status, often displaying an excessive pride in their perceived wealth, education, or taste. This condescending attitude is characterized by a disdainful or contemptuous demeanor towards those considered inferior in terms of social class, accomplishments, or cultural preferences.
Snobbery can manifest in various ways, including the deliberate exclusion or rejection of others based on their perceived lack of sophistication or inability to meet certain standards of refinement. It entails an inclination for associating exclusively with individuals or groups that are considered to be of higher social standing, often resulting in the exclusion of those outside of their social circle.
Moreover, snobbery can encompass a tendency to judge others solely based on superficial criteria such as clothing, possessions, or mannerisms. This is often driven by a desire to maintain and display one's own elevated status or exclusivity. Snobbery can also extend beyond social realms into areas such as art, literature, music, or any other realm where individuals may exhibit an overly critical or elitist attitude towards those who do not share their particular tastes or preferences.
In summary, snobbery refers to a haughty or self-righteous attitude of superiority, often demonstrated through exclusivity, judgmental behavior, and a disdain for those perceived as being of a lower social status or lacking in refinement.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "snobbery" originated in the early 19th century, derived from the term "snob". The etymology of "snob" is uncertain, but there are a few theories about its origins.
One theory suggests that "snob" was derived from the Latin phrase "sine nobilitate", meaning "without nobility". It originally referred to a shoemaker or ordinary person who emulated the manners and behaviors of a higher social class. Thus, a "snob" was someone who pretended to be of higher social standing.
Another theory is that "snob" comes from the term "nabob", which referred to wealthy British merchants who made their fortunes in India during British colonial rule. The word "nabob" was then altered to "snob" to mock those who imitated the ostentatious behavior and attitudes associated with these wealthy individuals.