snobbism

English

Alternative forms

• snobism

Etymology

From snob +‎ -ism, where the letter b is doubled in order to clarify the pronunciation of the letter o.

Noun

snobbism (countable and uncountable, plural snobbisms)

1. A snobbish attitude, particularly in relation to art or high culture.
   • 1960, Ezra Pound, Impact: essays on ignorance and the decline of American civilization, page 88:

     It is no answer to say that "my" programme in art and letters has gradually been forced through, has, to some extent, grabbed its place in the sun. For one thing, I don't care about "minority culture." I have never cared a damn about snobbisms or for writing ultimately for the few.

   • 1964, John Gassner, Sidney Thomas, The Nature of Art‎^[1], page 22:

     This question of the part played by culture in a civilisation prompts the similar question of the role of snobbism.

   • 1966, David R. Slavitt, Rochelle: Or, Virtue Rewarded, page 41:

     Had Zach been something other than a butcher, she would doubtless have found other snobbisms.

Usage notes

• The synonym snobbery is used much more frequently.

Synonyms

• snobbery