Pretentious vs. Snobby — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 16, 2024
Pretentious means attempting to impress by affecting greater importance or merit than is actually possessed, while snobby describes someone who looks down on others perceived as inferior, often due to social status or tastes.
Difference Between Pretentious and Snobby
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Pretentious behavior involves attempting to appear more important or cultured than one actually is. This often includes using sophisticated language or showing off knowledge to gain admiration. Snobby behavior, on the other hand, revolves around looking down on those who are considered socially inferior or less cultured, often emphasizing exclusivity and elitism.
People who are pretentious often try to create an image of themselves as knowledgeable or sophisticated. They might flaunt their understanding of art, literature, or fine dining. Snobby individuals, conversely, often derive their sense of superiority from associating with a higher social class or exclusive groups, and they dismiss those who do not meet their standards.
Pretentiousness can be seen in someone’s speech, dress, and behavior, all aimed at impressing others with their supposed sophistication. In contrast, snobbery is characterized by disdain for others based on perceived lower social standing or taste, showing more judgment than self-promotion.
A person can be both pretentious and snobby, but the key difference lies in the focus: pretentious people seek admiration through showy behavior, whereas snobby individuals seek to assert their superiority by looking down on others.
Pretentious individuals may adopt certain behaviors or opinions to fit in with what they consider high society or intellectual circles. Snobby individuals, however, often exclude themselves from those they consider unworthy, creating a sense of belonging by differentiation.
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Both pretentious and snobby behaviors are generally viewed negatively, but pretentiousness is seen more as a form of insincerity or affectation, while snobbery is seen as outright elitism and exclusion.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Attempting to impress with false grandeur
Looking down on others due to social status
Behavior
Showy and affected
Exclusive and dismissive
Motivation
Seeking admiration
Asserting superiority
Common Traits
Sophisticated language, flaunting knowledge
Disdain for perceived inferiors
Social Interaction
Trying to fit in with high-status groups
Excluding others based on social criteria
Compare with Definitions
Pretentious
Making an exaggerated outward show.
She wore a pretentious gown to the casual party.
Snobby
Arrogant about social status.
His snobby comments about the restaurant were unwarranted.
Pretentious
Attempting to impress with greater importance.
His pretentious speech was filled with unnecessarily complex words.
Snobby
Having a superior attitude towards others.
He was snobby about his exclusive education.
Pretentious
Ostentatious in displaying knowledge.
He made a pretentious display of his art collection.
Snobby
Dismissing others due to perceived inferiority.
She acted snobby towards anyone not wearing designer clothes.
Pretentious
Claiming unjustified merit.
The book was pretentious but lacked depth.
Snobby
Elitist in social interactions.
She had a snobby attitude towards public transportation.
Pretentious
Attempting to impress by affecting greater importance or merit than is actually possessed
The pretentious jargon of wine experts
Pretentious art films
Snobby
A person who looks down on or snubs people who that person considers as being of a lower social class.
Pretentious
Claiming that or behaving as if one is important or deserving of merit when such is not the case
A pretentious socialite.
Snobby
A person who feels an undue sense of intellectual or aesthetic superiority
A musical snob.
Pretentious
Showing or betraying an attitude of superiority
Made pretentious remarks about his education.
Snobby
Characteristic of a snob.
His tastes are snobby.
Pretentious
Marked by an extravagant or presumptuous outward show; ostentatious
A pretentious house.
Snobby
Snobbish.
Pretentious
Intended to impress others.
Her dress was obviously more pretentious than comfortable.
Snobby
Befitting or characteristic of those who inclined to social exclusiveness and who rebuff the advances of people considered inferior
Pretentious
Marked by an unwarranted claim to importance or distinction.
Their song titles are pretentious in the context of their basic lyrics.
Snobby
Exhibiting condescending behavior.
His snobby tone alienated his coworkers.
Pretentious
Full of pretension; disposed to lay claim to more than is one's; presuming; assuming.
Pretentious
Making claim to or creating an appearance of (often undeserved) importance or distinction;
A pretentious country house
A pretentious fraud
A pretentious scholarly edition
Pretentious
Intended to attract notice and impress others;
An ostentatious sable coat
Pretentious
Of a display that is tawdry or vulgar
Pretentious
Pretending to have cultural sophistication.
Her pretentious mannerisms annoyed her friends.
Common Curiosities
Is snobbery always negative?
Yes, snobbery is viewed negatively due to its elitism and exclusionary nature.
Can someone be both pretentious and snobby?
Yes, a person can display both behaviors, seeking admiration through showiness and asserting superiority by looking down on others.
How can you tell if someone is being pretentious?
They may use overly complex language or show off knowledge in an insincere way.
Is pretentiousness always negative?
Generally, yes, as it involves insincerity and affectation.
What does snobby mean?
Snobby describes someone who looks down on others perceived as inferior, often due to social status or tastes.
Can pretentious behavior be harmless?
Sometimes, but it often leads to social disapproval due to its insincerity.
Is pretentious behavior linked to insecurity?
Often, as it involves trying to cover up a perceived lack of genuine sophistication.
What does pretentious mean?
Pretentious means attempting to impress by affecting greater importance or merit than is actually possessed.
Can snobby behavior be justified?
Generally, it is seen as unjustified and harmful to social cohesion.
Can snobby behavior affect friendships?
Yes, it can create rifts due to its judgmental nature.
Is snobby behavior linked to insecurity?
It can be, as it may stem from a need to feel superior to others.
How can you tell if someone is being snobby?
They often dismiss or look down on people based on social status or tastes.
What is the main motivation behind pretentious behavior?
Seeking admiration and acceptance.
What is the main motivation behind snobby behavior?
Asserting superiority and maintaining social exclusivity.
Can pretentious behavior be seen in fashion?
Yes, wearing extravagant clothing to impress others is a form of pretentiousness.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
