<P> Hoi polloi ( Ancient Greek : οἱ πολλοί , hoi polloi , `` the many '' ) is an expression from Greek that means the many or , in the strictest sense , the majority . In English , it has been corrupted by being given a negative connotation to signify deprecation of the working class , commoners , the masses or common people in a derogatory or ( more often today ) ironic sense . Synonyms for hoi polloi , which also express the same or similar distaste for the common people felt by those who believe themselves to be superior , include `` the great unwashed '' , `` the plebeians '' or `` plebs '' , `` the rabble '' , `` the masses '' , `` the dregs of society '' , `` riffraff '' , `` the herd '' , `` the canaille '' , `` the proles '' ( proletariat ) , `` sheeple '' , and `` peons '' . </P>
<P> Hoi polloi ( Ancient Greek : οἱ πολλοί , hoi polloi , `` the many '' ) is an expression from Greek that means the many or , in the strictest sense , the majority . In English , it has been corrupted by being given a negative connotation to signify deprecation of the working class , commoners , the masses or common people in a derogatory or ( more often today ) ironic sense . Synonyms for hoi polloi , which also express the same or similar distaste for the common people felt by those who believe themselves to be superior , include `` the great unwashed '' , `` the plebeians '' or `` plebs '' , `` the rabble '' , `` the masses '' , `` the dregs of society '' , `` riffraff '' , `` the herd '' , `` the canaille '' , `` the proles '' ( proletariat ) , `` sheeple '' , and `` peons '' . </P>
where does the term hoi polloi come from
where does the term hoi polloi come from
Greek
Greek