snob

A snob is a person who believes they are superior to others, particularly due to their wealth, social status, education, tastes, or possessions. It is more than just having refined preferences; it is about actively looking down on those who do not share them and flaunting one's own perceived superiority.

The origins of the word "snob" are surprisingly humble. In 18th-century England, "snob" was slang for a shoemaker or cobbler. Over time, the term shifted and came to describe someone who acted as if they were socially superior, even if they were not traditionally wealthy or aristocratic.

Today, a snob might dismiss your favorite music because it isn't "classical enough," criticize your home décor for not being "modern" enough, or boast about their exclusive vacation destinations. They often use jargon and obscure references to signal their intelligence or sophistication.

It is important to note that having standards is not the same as being a snob. A person can appreciate quality without feeling superior to others. The defining characteristic of a snob is condescension—a patronizing attitude that implies those who do not share their tastes are somehow inferior. You might say, "He's such a wine snob; he won't drink anything under $50 a bottle," or "She was a literary snob, dismissing any book that wasn't a classic."

Ultimately, while everyone is entitled to their preferences, a snob takes it a step further—believing those preferences define them as better than everyone else.