Hoi polloi (,
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 giving it 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 dregs of society", "", "the herd",
"the proles" (proletariat) and "
peons".