a total snob

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a total snob" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is arrogant or condescending, particularly regarding social status or taste. Example: "She won't even consider dining at a casual restaurant; she's such a total snob about food."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

I was a total snob.

Independent

Just don't be a total snob.

WikiHow

If you were a prep or jock in real life, you wouldn't act like a total snob of a prep or a bully jock.

WikiHow

If you look like the sweetest, cutest kid in the world and then turn into a total snob every time someone talks to you, no one is going to think you're cute at all.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"It's sort of ironic and damning, considering what a total literary snob I fancy myself," she said.

The New York Times

But I'm not a total cable snob.

Huffington Post

Not to be a total art snob, but there's something to say about the re-creation of digital art as fine art, about pop culture in relation to intellectual art.

Vice

I am a total French food snob and even I roll my eyes at that.

Huffington Post

And a bit of a snob.

Huffington Post

Don't be a jerk or a snob.

WikiHow

He's a snob, a wimp and a lech.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a total snob", ensure the context clearly illustrates the person's snobbish behavior or attitude. Provide specific examples to support your description.

Common error

While "a total snob" is acceptable, avoid using it excessively in your writing. Variety in your descriptions can make your writing more engaging. Consider alternatives like "a complete snob", "a pretentious person", or "a condescending individual".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a total snob" functions as a noun phrase, specifically a description of a person. It serves to categorize an individual based on their perceived behavior and attitudes. The examples Ludwig provides show this phrase used in both direct statements and reported speech.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Wiki

50%

News & Media

50%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a total snob" is used to describe someone perceived as arrogant and condescending, particularly regarding social status or taste. Ludwig AI analysis indicates the phrase is grammatically correct but rare in usage. Its primary function is to express disapproval or criticism. While the phrase appears in news and online content, it is absent from formal academic writing. Remember to use this phrase judiciously and provide context to support your description.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an utter snob

Replaces "total" with "utter", emphasizing the completeness of the snobbish behavior.

a complete snob

Uses "complete" instead of "total", indicating the person fully embodies snobbish qualities.

an absolute snob

Substitutes "total" with "absolute" to highlight the definitive nature of the snobbery.

a pretentious person

Shifts focus to the person's general pretentiousness, encompassing more than just snobbery.

a condescending individual

Emphasizes the patronizing behavior often associated with snobbery.

an elitist

Highlights the belief in the superiority of a particular group or class.

stuck up person

Uses a more informal term to describe someone who thinks they are better than others.

a haughty individual

Focuses on the arrogant and disdainful attitude of the person.

a superior person

Directly addresses the individual's belief in their own superiority.

a class-conscious person

Indicates someone who is very aware of and influenced by social class distinctions.

FAQs

What does it mean to call someone "a total snob"?

Calling someone "a total snob" means that they are perceived as being arrogant, condescending, and overly concerned with social status or perceived superiority. They often look down on others who they deem less sophisticated or important.

What are some signs that someone might be "a total snob"?

Signs might include constantly name-dropping, displaying a disdain for anything considered 'common' or 'lowbrow', exhibiting an air of superiority, and only associating with people they deem 'important' or 'high-class'.

Is it ever appropriate to call someone "a total snob"?

It is generally best to avoid name-calling. It's more effective to describe the specific behaviors that lead you to perceive someone as snobbish. For example, you might say, "They seem to only value opinions from certain academic circles" instead of calling them "an academic snob".

What are some other ways to describe someone who is "a total snob"?

Depending on the context, you could describe them as "pretentious", "elitist", "condescending", or "haughty".