great unwashed: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘great unwashed’ mean?
The idiom "great unwashed" refers to the general public or the masses, particularly those considered to be uneducated or of lower social standing.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "just folks" means being ordinary, down-to-earth, and unpretentious, with a simple and relatable demeanor.
The idiom "John Q. Public" is a commonly used expression in American English. It refers to the average person or the typical citizen. It is an anonymous and generic representation of an individual. The origins of this idiom can be traced back to the early 20th century.
The idiom "John Citizen" refers to an average or ordinary person. It is used to represent a generic individual in examples or hypothetical situations.
The idiom "Joe Citizen" refers to an average person, an ordinary individual who represents the typical member of society. It is often used to emphasize the relatability or universality of a situation or concept.
The idiom "Joe Average" refers to an average, typical person. It is used to describe someone who is neither exceptional nor extraordinary, but rather represents the average qualities or characteristics of the general population.
An idiom meaning someone has an extremely unattractive or unpleasant face, often used to give a brutally honest description of someone's appearance.
The idiom "great deal" means a large amount or quantity of something. It is used to indicate that there is a significant or considerable extent or degree of something.
The idiom "garden variety" is used to describe something that is ordinary, common, or average.
An idiom meaning someone is not very intelligent or mentally unstable.
The idiom "few cards shy of a full deck" is an expression commonly used in American English. It describes someone who is perceived as mentally or emotionally unbalanced. The idiom originates from the game of cards, where a full deck consists of all the cards required to play.
Mythical Origins
The phrase "great unwashed" is commonly used in English language to refer to the lower class or ordinary people. It has a negative connotation and implies a lack of education or refinement. The origin of the phrase is unclear, but it is often attributed to the British writer and politician Edward Bulwer-Lytton, who used the term "unwashed masses" in his novel "Paul Clifford" published in 1830. The phrase "great unwashed" gained popularity later in the 19th century.
The idiom "great unwashed" is associated with social class distinctions. It contrasts the upper class, who are seen as refined, with the lower class, who are perceived as uneducated and dirty. This reflects the social hierarchies and prejudices of the 19th century. The phrase is primarily used figuratively and symbolizes the lack of sophistication or refinement in the individuals being referred to. It is a way to express disdain or contempt towards the lower class or the masses.
The idiom "great unwashed" is commonly used in literature, journalism, and everyday spoken language. It is more prevalent in informal contexts and is not typically used in formal or technical writing. The phrase has become ingrained in the English language and cultural lexicon, evolving and adapting to changing societal attitudes and norms over time. Today, it continues to convey a negative perception of the lower class or ordinary people.
Related to the idiom "great unwashed" is the phrase "Joe Public". This term is another way to refer to the general public or ordinary people. It is used to emphasize their commonness and lack of distinction. "Joe Public" is a friendly and informal way to describe the masses and is often used in a conversational tone.
Another related idiom is "just folks", which also refers to ordinary people or the general public. It is a way to emphasize their normality and lack of pretension. "Just folks" suggests that these individuals are humble and approachable. The phrase is often used in a friendly and conversational manner.
The idiom "John Q. Public" is yet another term used to describe ordinary people or the general public. It is a way to refer to the average citizen or the common man. "John Q. Public" is typically used in a friendly and informal tone, highlighting the relatability and universality of these individuals.
Additionally, the idiom "common or garden variety" is related to the phrase "great unwashed". It refers to something that is ordinary or unremarkable. This phrase is often used to describe people or things that lack uniqueness or distinction. "Common or garden variety" is used in a conversational style and implies a sense of familiarity and ubiquity.
The idiom "great unwashed" is commonly used to refer to the lower class or ordinary people. Its origin can be traced back to the 19th century, and it is associated with social class distinctions. This metaphorical phrase is predominantly used in informal contexts and symbolizes a lack of sophistication or refinement. It is commonly encountered in literature, journalism, and everyday spoken language. Related idioms such as "Joe Public", "just folks", "John Q. Public", and "common or garden variety" further emphasize the ordinary nature of the general public. These idioms are used in a friendly and informal tone, reflecting the conversational style of the English language.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "great unwashed" can be used in a sentence:
- The elitist politician referred to the common people as the "great unwashed."
- She couldn't stand being surrounded by the "great unwashed" at crowded public events.
- The snobbish celebrity avoided mingling with the "great unwashed" at the film premiere.
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