Hoity-Toity
/ˌhɔɪtiˈtɔɪti/noun
Pretentiously self-important; snobbish or haughty.
Did you know?The phrase is a reduplicative slang insult from the 18th century, and its exact origin is uncertain—one early theory connects it to noisy, frivolous behavior rather than any noble title or magical rite.
Etymological Timeline
18th Century
English
hoity-toity
“A contemptuous term for arrogant, high-and-mighty behavior.”
18th Century
English
hoity
“A slang exclamation or dismissive interjection, used in playful or derisive speech.”
18th Century
English
toity
“A rhyming echo of hoity; likely used for emphasis and mockery.”
Uncertain
English
?
“The phrase’s deeper origin is obscure; scholars have proposed links to lively, noisy, or affected speech, but no consensus exists.”