Top 28 Slang For Pretentious – Meaning & Usage

Some people just love to sprinkle a little pretentiousness into their conversations, and we’ve got the top slang terms to describe that exact vibe. Whether you’re rolling your eyes or joining in on the fun, our team has rounded up the most fitting words to add a touch of humor to those pretentious encounters. So, grab your latte and dive into this list to stay in the know!

Click above to generate some slangs

1. Bougie

This term refers to someone who is perceived as being materialistic, snobby, or pretentious. It originated from the word “bourgeois,” which refers to the middle class in French society. “Bougie” is often used to describe someone who strives to appear wealthy or upper class.

For instance, a person might say, “She only shops at high-end boutiques. She’s so bougie.”
In a conversation about expensive restaurants, someone might comment, “I can’t afford to eat at those bougie places.”
A friend might jokingly say, “Don’t forget us little people when you become bougie.”

2. Snooty

This term describes someone who acts superior or looks down on others. It is often used to describe someone who is pretentious or thinks they are better than everyone else. “Snooty” can also refer to someone who is overly concerned with their own appearance or status.

For example, a person might say, “He always acts snooty around people he considers beneath him.”
In a discussion about social cliques, someone might comment, “The snooty kids at school only hang out with each other.”
A person might describe a rude salesperson as “snooty” and say,“snooty” and say, “They acted like they were too good to help me.”

3. Hoity-toity

This term is used to describe someone who is snobbish, pretentious, or self-important. It often implies that the person puts on airs or acts in a way that is condescending towards others. “Hoity-toity” can also refer to something that is overly fancy or showy.

For instance, someone might say, “She turned up her nose at my suggestion with a hoity-toity attitude.”
In a conversation about fashion, someone might comment, “I can’t afford those hoity-toity designer brands.”
A person might describe a party as “hoity-toity” and say,“hoity-toity” and say, “Everyone was dressed in fancy clothes and acting all hoity-toity.”

4. Pompous

This term describes someone who has an exaggerated sense of self-importance and acts in a way that is arrogant or condescending towards others. It often implies that the person thinks they are better or more knowledgeable than everyone else. “Pompous” can also refer to something that is overly grand or showy.

For example, a person might say, “He always talks about himself and acts pompous.”
In a discussion about politicians, someone might comment, “Some politicians come across as pompous and out of touch.”
A person might describe a pretentious art exhibit as “pompous” and say,“pompous” and say, “It was full of abstract paintings that seemed pompous and pretentious.”

5. Highfalutin

This term is used to describe someone who is pretentious, snobbish, or overly fancy. It often implies that the person puts on airs or acts in a way that is condescending towards others. “Highfalutin” can also refer to something that is overly elaborate or showy.

For instance, someone might say, “She acts all highfalutin, like she’s better than everyone else.”
In a conversation about expensive restaurants, someone might comment, “I can’t afford those highfalutin places.”
A person might describe a fancy party as “highfalutin” and say,“highfalutin” and say, “Everyone was dressed in expensive clothes and acting all highfalutin.”

6. Uppity

This term is used to describe someone who acts superior or snobbish, often looking down on others. It can also imply a sense of entitlement or self-importance.

For example, “She always acts so uppity, like she’s better than everyone else.”
In a discussion about social hierarchy, someone might say, “People who are uppity often lack humility.”
Another might comment, “Being uppity only alienates people and creates unnecessary tension.”

7. Prissy

This word is used to describe someone who is excessively concerned with their appearance or manners, often to the point of being overly prim or delicate.

For instance, “She’s always so prissy, making sure everything is perfectly in place.”
In a conversation about personal style, someone might say, “I prefer a more relaxed look. I can’t stand being prissy.”
Another might comment, “Being prissy can come across as shallow and superficial.”

8. Stuck-up

This term is used to describe someone who is conceited or haughty, often looking down on others and considering themselves superior.

For example, “He acts so stuck-up, like he’s too good for everyone else.”
In a discussion about social interactions, someone might say, “Being stuck-up only pushes people away.”
Another might comment, “Stuck-up individuals often struggle to form genuine connections with others.”

9. Ostentatious

This word is used to describe something or someone that is characterized by a vulgar or pretentious display, often to impress or attract attention.

For instance, “Her taste in jewelry is so ostentatious, always wearing flashy and expensive pieces.”
In a conversation about interior design, someone might say, “I prefer a more minimalist style. I find ostentatious decor overwhelming.”
Another might comment, “Ostentatious displays of wealth can be off-putting and create a divide between people.”

10. Grandiose

This term is used to describe something that is characterized by an exaggerated or unrealistic sense of importance, often in a showy or pretentious manner.

For example, “His plans for the party were so grandiose, with extravagant decorations and entertainment.”
In a discussion about ambition, someone might say, “Grandiose ideas often lack practicality and feasibility.”
Another might comment, “Grandiose individuals tend to over-promise and under-deliver.”

11. Preening

This term refers to someone who is excessively concerned with their appearance and constantly seeks attention and admiration. It implies that the person is trying to impress others by flaunting their looks or style.

For example, “She’s always preening in front of the mirror, making sure she looks perfect.”
In a conversation about a person’s behavior, one might say, “He’s so preening, always trying to get everyone’s attention.”
A friend might comment, “She’s preening again, trying to get all the guys to notice her.”

12. Arrogant

This word describes someone who has an exaggerated sense of their own importance and superiority. It implies that the person looks down on others and believes they are better or more deserving.

For instance, “He’s so arrogant, he thinks he’s the smartest person in the room.”
In a discussion about someone’s behavior, one might comment, “She’s always talking about herself, so arrogant.”
A friend might say, “Don’t mind his arrogant attitude, he’s just trying to show off.”

13. Elitist

This term refers to someone who believes they are part of an elite or superior group and looks down on those they consider beneath them. It implies that the person values exclusivity and privileges and disregards others who don’t meet their standards.

For example, “He’s such an elitist, he only associates with people from wealthy families.”
In a conversation about someone’s attitude, one might say, “She’s so elitist, she thinks she’s better than everyone else.”
A friend might comment, “Don’t pay attention to his elitist remarks, he’s just trying to feel superior.”

14. Haughty

This word describes someone who displays an attitude of superiority and arrogance, often looking down on others. It implies that the person believes they are better than everyone else and shows a lack of humility.

For instance, “She has such a haughty demeanor, always acting like she’s better than everyone.”
In a discussion about someone’s behavior, one might comment, “He’s so haughty, he never acknowledges the hard work of others.”
A friend might say, “Don’t let her haughty attitude bother you, she’s just insecure.”

15. Pretentious

This term refers to someone who acts or behaves in a way that is intended to impress others, often by pretending to have more knowledge, culture, or sophistication than they actually possess. It implies that the person is trying to appear more important or impressive than they truly are.

For example, “He’s so pretentious, always using big words to sound smarter than he is.”
In a conversation about someone’s behavior, one might say, “She’s such a pretentious snob, always name-dropping to show off.”
A friend might comment, “Don’t listen to his pretentious remarks, he’s just trying to fit in.”

16. Vain

This word describes someone who is excessively proud of their appearance or abilities and has an inflated sense of self-importance.

For example, “She spends hours in front of the mirror, admiring her own beauty. She’s so vain.”
In a conversation about a person’s ego, someone might say, “He’s too vain to ever admit when he’s wrong.”
Another might comment, “Her vanity is evident in the way she constantly seeks validation from others.”

17. Showy

This term refers to something or someone that is ostentatious, flamboyant, or designed to attract attention.

For instance, “She arrived at the party in a showy, sequined dress.”
In a discussion about architecture, someone might say, “The building’s showy exterior hides a lack of substance.”
A person might comment, “His showy display of wealth is just a facade to cover up his insecurities.”

18. Swanky

This word describes something that is stylish, luxurious, or fashionable, often in an extravagant or showy way.

For example, “They live in a swanky penthouse apartment with panoramic views.”
In a conversation about a high-end restaurant, someone might say, “The food is delicious, and the atmosphere is swanky.”
Another might comment, “She always dresses in swanky designer clothes to impress others.”

19. Posh

This term is used to describe something or someone that is elegant, fashionable, and associated with wealth or high social status.

For instance, “They vacationed at a posh resort in the French Riviera.”
In a discussion about neighborhoods, someone might say, “That area is known for its posh mansions and exclusive clubs.”
A person might comment, “She acts so posh, as if she’s better than everyone else.”

20. Snobby

This word describes someone who looks down on others and believes they are superior based on their social status or perceived superiority.

For example, “He refuses to associate with anyone he considers beneath him. He’s so snobby.”
In a conversation about a person’s attitude, someone might say, “She’s always making snobby remarks about other people’s taste.”
Another might comment, “His snobby behavior alienates those around him and prevents him from forming genuine connections.”

21. Fancy-pants

This term is used to describe someone who acts superior or thinks they are better than others. It is often used in a playful or lighthearted manner.

For example, “Look at Mr. Fancy-pants over there, acting like he’s too good for us.”
In a sarcastic tone, someone might say, “Oh, excuse me, Mr. Fancy-pants, for not meeting your high standards.”
When someone is being overly particular about something, you might hear, “Don’t get all fancy-pants about it, it’s not that big of a deal.”

22. High-and-mighty

This slang term refers to someone who acts superior or thinks they are better than others. It is often used to criticize someone for their inflated sense of self-importance.

For instance, “She always acts so high-and-mighty, like she’s better than everyone else.”
When someone is being condescending, you might say, “Don’t be so high-and-mighty, we’re all equals here.”
In a sarcastic tone, someone might say, “Well, aren’t you just high-and-mighty? I’m so impressed.”

23. Prima donna

This term is used to describe someone who is overly demanding, self-centered, or thinks they are the most important person in a particular situation. It is often used to criticize someone’s diva-like behavior.

For example, “She’s such a prima donna, always expecting everyone to cater to her.”
When someone is being overly dramatic or throwing a tantrum, you might say, “Don’t be such a prima donna, it’s not the end of the world.”
In a sarcastic tone, someone might say, “Oh, excuse me, Ms. Prima Donna, for inconveniencing you with my presence.”

24. Condescending

This term is used to describe someone who talks down to others, acts superior, or treats others as if they are less intelligent or important. It is often used to criticize someone for their arrogant behavior.

For instance, “He has such a condescending tone, like he’s the only one who knows anything.”
When someone is being dismissive or disrespectful, you might say, “Don’t be so condescending, show some respect.”
In a sarcastic tone, someone might say, “Thank you for your condescending advice, I don’t know what I would do without it.”

25. Aristocratic

This term is used to describe someone who behaves in a snobbish or elitist manner, often associated with the upper class or nobility. It is often used to criticize someone for their pretentious behavior.

For example, “She acts so aristocratic, like she’s too good for the rest of us.”
When someone is being excessively formal or traditional, you might say, “Don’t be so aristocratic, loosen up a bit.”
In a sarcastic tone, someone might say, “Oh, excuse me, your aristocratic highness, for not conforming to your standards.”

26. Puffed-up

This term refers to someone who is full of themselves and acts superior to others. It implies that they have an inflated sense of their own importance or abilities.

For example, “He always walks around with a puffed-up attitude, as if he’s better than everyone else.”
In a discussion about pretentious people, someone might say, “I can’t stand those puffed-up individuals who think they’re experts in everything.”
Another might comment, “Her puffed-up demeanor makes it hard to have a genuine conversation with her.”

27. Upper-crust

This slang term describes people who are considered to be part of the highest social class or upper echelons of society. It implies wealth, privilege, and a certain level of snobbery.

For instance, “She comes from an upper-crust family and attends all the exclusive events.”
In a conversation about social hierarchies, someone might say, “The upper-crust elites seem to live in a completely different world.”
Another might comment, “He always looks down on others, thinking he’s better because he’s part of the upper-crust.”

28. Fancy-schmancy

This slang term is used to mock or dismiss something that is unnecessarily fancy or extravagant. It implies that the person or thing is trying too hard to appear sophisticated or high-class.

For example, “She always insists on going to fancy-schmancy restaurants, even though the food isn’t that great.”
In a discussion about pretentiousness, someone might say, “I don’t need all those fancy-schmancy decorations to enjoy a meal.”
Another might comment, “He drives a fancy-schmancy sports car just to show off his wealth.”