Main Translations

English Word: Snob This term refers to someone who looks down on others based on social status, wealth, or tastes, often with an air of superiority. Thai Primary Translation: คนหยิ่ง (Kon ying) Phonetic (Romanized Pronunciation): Kon ying (Pronounced with a short "o" as in "on," and "ying" rhyming with "sing." The tone is mid for "kon" and rising for "ying.") Explanation: In Thai culture, "คนหยิ่ง" (kon ying) is commonly used to describe someone who acts arrogantly or dismissively toward others, especially due to perceived social differences. It carries a negative emotional connotation, evoking feelings of irritation or resentment, as Thais value humility and respect in social interactions (a key aspect of Thai "kreng jai" or consideration for others). For instance, in daily life, you might hear this word in Bangkok's bustling urban scenes, where people comment on someone flaunting luxury brands or ignoring traditional customs. Unlike in Western contexts, where "snob" might relate to intellectual elitism, in Thailand, it often ties to class divides, such as looking down on rural migrants in the city. This word isn't formal; it's more casual and conversational, but it can sting if used directly, so Thais might soften it with humor or indirect language to avoid confrontation.

Secondary Translation (if applicable): Another related term is "คนทะนง" (kon thanong), which emphasizes pride or arrogance but is less specific to social snobbery and more about general self-importance. Use this when the context involves overconfidence rather than outright disdain.

Usage Overview

In Thailand, "snob" (or its Thai equivalent) typically appears in discussions about social behavior, pop culture, or interpersonal relationships. It's more prevalent in urban areas like Bangkok, where fast-paced lifestyles and Western influences amplify class awareness—think of social media influencers or high-society events. In contrast, rural regions like Chiang Mai might express similar ideas more subtly, using phrases that highlight community harmony rather than direct criticism, as Thais in these areas prioritize "face" (saving dignity). Overall, this word is useful for navigating social dynamics, but it's best used sparingly to maintain the Thai emphasis on politeness.

Example Sentences

To make learning practical, here are a few curated examples based on common scenarios. We've selected three that best illustrate "snob" in Thai contexts: everyday talk, business settings, and a travel phrase. Each includes natural translations and tips for real-life application. Everyday Conversation English: "She's such a snob; she only hangs out with rich people." Thai: "เธอเป็นคนหยิ่งมาก เธอคบแต่กับคนรวยอย่างเดียว." (Thoe bpen kon ying mak. Thoe khop tae gap kon ruay yang diaw.) Brief Notes: This sentence is perfect for casual chats, like gossiping with friends over street food in Bangkok. Note how the Thai version adds "มาก" (mak, meaning "very") for emphasis, which is common in everyday speech to express frustration. In Thai culture, this might be said with a laugh to lighten the mood, avoiding direct offense. Business Context English: "In this company, we don't tolerate snobs who dismiss others' ideas." Thai: "ในบริษัทนี้ เรามีนโยบายไม่ยอมรับคนหยิ่งที่เมินเฉยความคิดของคนอื่น." (Nai brrakit ni, rao mee niyobai mai yom rab kon ying thi meun chuey khwam khit khong khon uen.) Usage Context: You'd hear this in a Bangkok business meeting, perhaps during team discussions about innovation. Thai workplaces often emphasize equality and "sanuk" (fun), so calling out snobbery helps maintain harmony. Pro tip: Use this phrase carefully in professional settings to align with Thailand's hierarchical culture, where seniority is respected. Practical Travel Phrase English: "That hotel staff seems a bit snobbish; they ignored my questions." Thai: "พนักงานโรงแรมดูเป็นคนหยิ่งนิดหน่อย พวกเขาเมินเฉยคำถามของฉัน." (Phanakngan rohng raem du bpen kon ying nit naoy. Phuea khan meun chuey kham tham khong chan.) Travel Tip: When traveling in tourist hotspots like Phuket or Chiang Mai, this phrase can help you express frustration with upscale services without escalating tensions. Thais appreciate politeness, so pair it with a smile or "khob khun" (thank you) to keep things friendly. If you're dealing with language barriers, this could prompt better service or a cultural exchange.

Related Expressions

Synonyms/Related Terms: Common Collocations:

Cultural Notes

Thai Cultural Perspective: In Thailand, the concept of a "snob" intersects with the country's deep-rooted respect for social hierarchy, influenced by historical factors like the monarchy and Buddhism's emphasis on humility. Words like "kon ying" might evoke memories of past class struggles, such as during the rapid urbanization of the 20th century, when rural Thais moved to cities and faced prejudice. Interestingly, in modern Thai media—think K-dramas or local soaps—snobbery is often portrayed humorously to highlight the absurdity of status obsession, reinforcing the cultural ideal of "mai pen rai" (never mind). This word can subtly challenge Thailand's "face-saving" culture, where overt criticism is rare. Practical Advice: For foreigners, use "kon ying" sparingly and in informal settings to avoid unintended offense, as Thais might interpret it as rude. If you're learning Thai, observe how locals use it in context—perhaps in comedy shows—to gauge appropriateness. A common misuse is applying it too broadly; stick to situations involving clear arrogance. Remember, blending in often means prioritizing warmth over directness.

Practical Tips

Memory Aid: To remember "kon ying," think of it as "con king"—imagine a "king" (ying sounds like "king") who looks down on everyone. This visual association ties into Thai culture's reverence for royalty, making it easier to recall in conversations. Practice saying it out loud with a rising tone on "ying" for authenticity. Dialect Variations: While "kon ying" is standard across Thailand, in northern regions like Chiang Mai, you might hear variations in pronunciation, such as a softer "k" sound or phrases like "baw ying" in local dialects to soften the criticism. In the Isan (northeastern) area, people may use "kon ying yai" for emphasis, reflecting the region's more direct communication style compared to the polished speech of Bangkok.

This entry is crafted to be a practical resource for English-Thai learners, blending cultural depth with everyday usability. If you're preparing for a trip to Thailand or studying the language, bookmark this for quick reference—search terms like "snob Thai translation" to find more! If you have questions, feel free to explore our other entries.