hoi polloi

Definition

The common people; the masses. (Used with or without the definite article.)

Etymology

Learned borrowing from Ancient Greek οἱ πολλοί (hoi polloí, “the many”).

Example Sentences

• "The clientele is a select species of hoi polloi, intermixed with writers, painters and politicos and the more sophisticated American tourists."
• "But what, pray tell, is a “librarian”? Consult the same infallible source and you will learn: “One who has the care or charge of a library.” And where does that leave the most of us, hoi great unwashed polloi who have neither the “care” nor the “charge” of a library?"
• "Holding the meeting in Egypt is a Machiavellian way to look international but in reality to prevent hoi Interent polloi from attending the meeting."