Pretentious vs. Snobby: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on September 28, 2023
Pretentious implies affecting greater importance than is warranted, while Snobby suggests looking down on those perceived as inferior or less cultured.
Key Differences
Pretentious and Snobby are both adjectives that describe attitudes of superiority, but they manifest differently. Pretentiousness often arises when someone feigns a higher level of knowledge, culture, or sophistication than they truly possess.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Snobby, on the other hand, has roots in social class distinctions. A snobby person often believes they're inherently superior due to their background, wealth, education, or tastes, disregarding others who don't fit their criteria.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Someone pretentious might use jargon or reference high-brow art to appear cultured, even if they lack depth in the subject. It's about creating an illusion of being more impressive or knowledgeable than is authentic.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Conversely, snobby individuals may dismiss others based on superficial judgments. They might scorn someone for shopping at a particular store or not knowing about a niche subject, making it more about exclusion than illusion.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
It's worth noting that both pretentious and snobby behaviors can be off-putting. While one feigns elevated status, the other revels in perceived superiority, but both are often seen as lacking in genuine humility or respect for others.
Janet White
Sep 28, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Affecting exaggerated importance or merit
Acting superior due to wealth, status, or taste
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Common Behavior
Using jargon or feigning knowledge
Dismissing or looking down on others
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Perception
Often viewed as insincere or trying too hard
Seen as elitist and exclusionary
Aimie Carlson
Sep 28, 2023
Trigger
Insecurity or need for validation
Entitlement based on background or privilege
Janet White
Sep 28, 2023
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Pretentious and Snobby Definitions
Pretentious
Ostentatious or showy without substance.
The gala, though grand, felt pretentious to many attendees.
Sara Rehman
Sep 28, 2023
Snobby
Displaying snobbish behaviors or attitudes.
Her snobby comments about budget shopping were uncalled for.
Harlon Moss
Sep 28, 2023
Pretentious
Claiming exaggerated importance or dignity.
His essay was filled with pretentious language.
Harlon Moss
Sep 28, 2023
Snobby
Relating to or characteristic of people who believe they are better than others.
The film festival was criticized for its snobby selection process.
Sara Rehman
Sep 28, 2023
Pretentious
Attempting to impress by feigning more knowledge than one possesses.
Her critique seemed pretentious since she had only skimmed the book.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
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Snobby
Looking down on others based on perceived superiority.
His snobby demeanor made it hard to connect with him.
Sara Rehman
Sep 28, 2023
Pretentious
Affecting a high level of culture or sophistication.
The tiny cafe was pretentious, with abstract art and obscure music.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 28, 2023
Snobby
Elitist and judgmental based on class or taste.
The exclusive club was known for its snobby membership.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 28, 2023
Pretentious
Falsely presenting oneself as superior.
His pretentious attitude was off-putting to his peers.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Snobby
Dismissive of those deemed lower in status or culture.
The critic had a snobby attitude towards popular films.
Harlon Moss
Sep 28, 2023
Pretentious
Claiming that or behaving as if one is important or deserving of merit when such is not the case
A pretentious socialite.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 19, 2022
Snobby
A person who looks down on or snubs people who that person considers as being of a lower social class.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 19, 2022
Pretentious
Showing or betraying an attitude of superiority
Made pretentious remarks about his education.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 19, 2022
Snobby
A person who feels an undue sense of intellectual or aesthetic superiority
A musical snob.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 19, 2022
Pretentious
Marked by an extravagant or presumptuous outward show; ostentatious
A pretentious house.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 19, 2022
Pretentious
Intended to impress others.
Her dress was obviously more pretentious than comfortable.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 19, 2022
Pretentious
Marked by an unwarranted claim to importance or distinction.
Their song titles are pretentious in the context of their basic lyrics.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 19, 2022
Snobby
Befitting or characteristic of those who inclined to social exclusiveness and who rebuff the advances of people considered inferior
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 19, 2022
Pretentious
Full of pretension; disposed to lay claim to more than is one's; presuming; assuming.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 19, 2022
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
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 19, 2022
Pretentious
Intended to attract notice and impress others;
An ostentatious sable coat
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 19, 2022
FAQs
Are snobs always wealthy or well-educated?
No, snobbishness can manifest in any social or cultural context.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Is being pretentious always negative?
Often it is viewed negatively, but the context matters. Sometimes, it might just be enthusiasm mistaken for pretension.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Does being pretentious mean you're lying?
Not necessarily, but it can involve exaggerating or feigning knowledge.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Why do people act snobby?
It can stem from insecurity, a need to validate one's self-worth, or cultural upbringing.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Is there a difference between being a snob and acting snobby?
Yes, one implies inherent character (being a snob) while the other is about behavior (acting snobby).
Harlon Moss
Sep 28, 2023
Can someone be both pretentious and snobby?
Yes, it's possible for someone to both feign superiority and also look down on others.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Can pretentiousness ever be seen as a positive?
In rare contexts, it might be seen as aspirational, but generally, it's viewed negatively.
Janet White
Sep 28, 2023
Are snobby people always aware of their behavior?
Not always, some might be unaware, while others are deliberate in their attitudes.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
What's a common sign of pretentious behavior?
Overusing jargon or name-dropping without depth can be signs.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
How can one handle a pretentious individual?
Being genuine, asking questions, and avoiding getting defensive can be effective.
Sara Rehman
Sep 28, 2023
How can one stop being pretentious?
Self-awareness, humility, and genuine engagement can help counteract pretentious behavior.
Janet White
Sep 28, 2023
Is there a synonym for snobby?
Yes, elitist, haughty, and uppity are a few synonyms.
Harlon Moss
Sep 28, 2023
Is there a direct opposite of pretentious?
Genuine, authentic, or humble can be considered opposites.
Harlon Moss
Sep 28, 2023
Can snobby attitudes be cultural or regional?
Yes, in some cultures or regions, certain behaviors might be more accepted or prevalent.
Janet White
Sep 28, 2023
Why might someone be mistaken for snobby?
Reserved or introverted individuals might sometimes be perceived as snobby when they aren't.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
