snoodiness

Snoodiness refers to a perceived attitude or behavior characterized by pretentiousness, affectation, and an ostentatious display of perceived superiority or refinement. It often involves a conscious effort to appear more cultured, intelligent, or socially elevated than one might actually be. This can manifest through exaggerated language, an insistence on obscure tastes, or a dismissive attitude towards things deemed common or unsophisticated.

The term itself is informal and often used pejoratively to criticize individuals or groups exhibiting these traits. It suggests a superficiality in their claims of superiority, implying that their elevated demeanor is not genuine but rather a deliberate performance. The "snob" is a closely related concept, with snoodiness being a descriptor of the behavior associated with such a person.

While snobbery itself is a well-established social phenomenon, "snoodiness" specifically highlights the outward performance and self-conscious presentation of these attitudes. It can be observed in various social contexts, from everyday interactions to cultural commentary, and is often associated with attempts to maintain social distance or exclusion. The perception of snoodiness is subjective, and what one person considers refined, another might see as pretentious.