You know those people who act like they’re better than everyone else? The ones who always have to name-drop, brag about their possessions, or look down on other people for not having the “right” taste? Yeah, those are snobs. They can be pretty annoying, but it’s important to understand what makes them tick so you can deal with them effectively. Here’s how to spot them in the wild, as well as some ways to deal with them when you have to.
1. They constantly flaunt their status or possessions.
Source: Unsplash Snobs love to show off their wealth, social connections, or exclusive experiences. They might casually mention their designer clothes, their luxury vacations, or their famous friends. They might also subtly (or not-so-subtly) put other people down for not having the same things. This behaviour stems from a deep-seated insecurity and a need to feel like they’re better than everyone. They use their possessions and status as a way to compensate for their lack of self-worth.
2. They judge people based on superficial factors.
Snobs are quick to judge people based on their appearance, their job, their education, or their social circles. They might dismiss someone outright because they don’t fit into their narrow definition of what’s “acceptable.” This judgmental attitude is a reflection of their own insecurity and their need to feel superior to pretty much everyone. They believe that by associating with the “right” people and having the “right” things, they’re somehow better than everyone else.
3. They have a narrow view of the world.
Snobs tend to live in a bubble, surrounded by people who share their values and interests. They might be resistant to new ideas, different perspectives, or anything that challenges their worldview. They might also dismiss or look down on people who don’t fit into their social circles or who have different interests or lifestyles. This narrow-mindedness can be frustrating and limiting, as it prevents them from experiencing the richness and diversity of the world.
4. They’re name-droppers.
Snobs love to drop names of famous or influential people they know (or claim to know). They might casually mention having dinner with a celebrity, attending an exclusive event, or being on a first-name basis with someone important. This name-dropping is a way to elevate their own status and impress people. It’s also a way to make people feel less important or worthy, as if their own accomplishments or connections don’t measure up.
5. They’re critical of other people’s tastes and preferences.
Snobs have a strong sense of what’s “right” and “wrong” when it comes to taste. They might criticise your clothes, your music, your food choices, or even your home decor. They might also try to impose their own preferences on you, suggesting that your taste is inferior or unsophisticated. This critical attitude is a way to control and manipulate people, making them feel insecure and eager to please the snob.
6. They’re arrogant and condescending.
Snobs often speak and act in a way that makes people feel inferior. They might use a patronising tone, talk down to people, or dismiss their opinions. They might also interrupt, talk over people, or monopolise conversations. This arrogant and condescending behaviour is a way to assert their dominance and make people feel small. It’s also a way to mask their own insecurities and feelings of inadequacy.
7. They’re exclusive and cliquish.
Snobs tend to form exclusive social circles, often based on shared wealth, status, or interests. They might be reluctant to let new people into their group, or they might create a hierarchy within the group, with themselves at the top. This exclusivity is a way to maintain their sense of superiority and control. It also creates an environment where people feel like they have to constantly prove themselves worthy of the snob’s approval.
8. They’re materialistic.
Source: Unsplash Snobs often place a high value on material possessions and equate them with success and happiness. They might obsess over designer labels, luxury cars, or expensive homes. They might also judge people based on how much money they have, assuming that those with more of it are automatically superior. This materialistic mindset can be shallow and superficial, as it ignores the deeper values and qualities that truly make a person valuable.
9. They’re always trying to one-up everyone.
Snobs have a competitive streak and a need to always be the best. They might try to outdo people in their accomplishments, possessions, or experiences. They might brag about their latest holiday, their new car, or their child’s academic achievements. This constant need to one-up people is a way to boost their own ego and feel superior. It can be exhausting and annoying for those around them, and it ultimately stems from a lack of genuine self-confidence.
9. They have an excessive need for validation.
Source: Unsplash Snobs often look for external validation to reinforce their sense of superiority. They might fish for compliments, post on social media solely for likes and comments, or constantly look for reassurance that they’re better than everyone. This constant need for everyone to tell them how great they are stems from a deep-seated insecurity and a fear of not being good enough. They rely on outside approval to prop up their fragile ego, making them vulnerable to manipulation and criticism.
10. They’re obsessed with trends and fads.
Source: Unsplash Snobs are often early adopters of trends and fads, but their obsession with being “in the know” can be a sign of insecurity. They fear being seen as outdated or unfashionable, so they constantly chase after the latest trends, whether it’s in fashion, technology, or lifestyle. This obsession can be expensive, exhausting, and ultimately unsatisfying, as it’s driven by a need for external validation rather than genuine enjoyment or interest.
11. They’re dismissive of people’s opinions and experiences.
Source: Unsplash Snobs often believe that their opinions and experiences are superior to everyone else’s. They interrupt, talk over, or even ignore people who they deem less intelligent, knowledgeable, or sophisticated. This dismissive attitude can be hurtful and alienating, and it creates a toxic environment where people feel like their voices don’t matter. It also prevents snobs from learning from other people and expanding their own perspectives.
12. They’re often insincere and manipulative.
Source: Unsplash While snobs might appear charming and sophisticated on the surface, they can also be insincere and manipulative. They tend to use flattery, manipulation, or guilt trips to get what they want. They might also pretend to be interested in people, only to use them for their own gain. This insincerity can be difficult to detect, as snobs are often skilled at masking their true intentions. However, their actions eventually reveal their true colours.
13. They’re often unhappy and unfulfilled.
Despite their outward appearance of success and happiness, snobs are often deeply unhappy and unfulfilled. Their constant need for validation, their obsession with material possessions, and their inability to form genuine connections leave them feeling empty and dissatisfied. They might have achieved external success, but they lack inner peace and contentment. This unhappiness often manifests as arrogance, judgmentalism, and a general sense of dissatisfaction with life.
