The spelling of the term "swinish multitude" might seem confusing, but it simply reflects English's complex orthography. The word "swinish" is pronounced as /ˈswɪnɪʃ/, with the "sw" sound, followed by the "i" representing the short "i" vowel sound, and the "n" and "sh" sounds. "Multitude" is pronounced as /ˈmʌltɪtjuːd/, with the stress on the second syllable, and the "t" and "d" sounds clearly enunciated. Together, these words paint a vivid picture of a mass of people seen as despicable or uncivilized.
"Swinish multitude" is a derogatory term used to describe a large and unruly group of people deemed to be driven by base instincts and lacking in refinement or moral integrity. The phrase combines the adjective "swinish," which refers to the characteristics of a pig or swine, with the noun "multitude," indicating a vast number of people or a crowd.
The term "swinish" implies that the individuals within the group are considered to behave in a crude, gluttonous, and foolish manner, akin to the perceived attributes of pigs. By associating this behavior with a "multitude," the term suggests that the group is not composed of thoughtful or discerning individuals, but instead acts as a single undifferentiated mass.
Historically, the phrase has been used by individuals in positions of power to denigrate or demean large groups of people, often in the context of political, social, or cultural discussions. It can be seen as a rhetorical device employed to paint a negative and dehumanizing picture of the collective, minimizing the importance of their opinions or concerns.
Overall, "swinish multitude" serves as a pejorative expression used to marginalize or diminish the worth of a large group of people, suggesting their behavior is animalistic and devoid of civilized qualities.
The phrase "swinish multitude" is not a standalone word or term, but rather a combination of two words with different etymologies: "swinish" and "multitude".
1. Swinish: The word "swinish" comes from the root word "swine" which refers to a pig or hog. The term originated from Old English "swīn" and Middle English "swin". "Swine" had a negative connotation attached to it, implying dirtiness, gluttony, or other negative qualities associated with pigs. Hence, "swinish" is an adjective derived from "swine" that describes anything resembling or associated with swine in a derogatory manner.
2. Multitude: The word "multitude" traces its origins back to Latin. It comes from the Latin word "multitūdō" which means a large number or a crowd.