tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714922182513339530.post2514593820838369214..comments2024-03-28T19:45:31.313-04:00Comments on Salt Water New England: A Reader Question for the Community: Snob - Insult or Compliment? Salt Water New Englandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08940851375677714833noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714922182513339530.post-43186783592014390752020-12-19T17:38:57.746-05:002020-12-19T17:38:57.746-05:00I have never been called a snob. But then again, w...I have never been called a snob. But then again, why would I? I grew up in such a way, and to this day, live in such a way that people would probably be incredibly surprised that we are listed in The Social Register, and would probably never know that we live comfortably. The only ones that know about my heritage are the ones in my lineage societies which share such history. I live on a beach now, but recently moved from a state where vulgar displays of wealth are so very, very common - and I cannot stress 'vulgar' enough. It was a mixture of comical/sad. Even if I was mixed in with this set here on SWNE you probably would not peg me for someone that 'fit in.' I tend to be rebellious and even shun that, as well. The only hint that I 'might' be from a different world is my manners, which learned at my mothers knee, schooling, and a career in Washington DC as a protocol consultant makes me a little 'weird' to them, but not 'snobbish.'Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714922182513339530.post-28452022803892986472020-10-06T17:30:34.090-04:002020-10-06T17:30:34.090-04:00^ That is rewarding to hear. I have been reading ...^ That is rewarding to hear. I have been reading his essays for years but have run across too few others who know his work.Sartreskyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07028559972862428523noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714922182513339530.post-60775464085031143142020-10-06T09:30:06.566-04:002020-10-06T09:30:06.566-04:00Based on your comment, I researched Joseph Epstein...Based on your comment, I researched Joseph Epstein. I became a fan when I learned that he coined the word, "virtucrat". Thank you.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714922182513339530.post-47636925734777248212020-10-06T09:10:30.953-04:002020-10-06T09:10:30.953-04:00Once upon a time and not recently, there was the c...Once upon a time and not recently, there was the concept of "gentleman." It wasn't something about how you learned to behave properly, although you certainly had to learn correct manners. You could misbehave and still be a gentleman. But for others who had not been born gentlemen (or ladies), imitating the ways of gentlemen might be seen as snobbish by their social equals or as servile by their betters. But we're not like that anymore. BlueTrainhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15008640585987540252noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714922182513339530.post-53379848153169212162020-10-05T22:21:27.031-04:002020-10-05T22:21:27.031-04:00Thanks, Ole Brumm-I was joking however! Not a sno...Thanks, Ole Brumm-I was joking however! Not a snob God forbid about people-having worked most of my life in retail that would be a distinct disadvantage! I'd say I have particular ideas about the way I like to live but never at the expense of making anyone feel uncomfortable or hurting anyone's feelings. I'm unaware of having any underlying sense of shame and would just as soon not go there! Jill S. Masonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00287758847014496996noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714922182513339530.post-56475164079886467952020-10-05T16:28:57.068-04:002020-10-05T16:28:57.068-04:00I totally agree. I get frustrated with the crudene...I totally agree. I get frustrated with the crudeness, vulgarity and unkindness of our modern culture, but I don’t think this makes me a snob.Patricehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10308506688209308536noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714922182513339530.post-89049323699077212572020-10-02T16:47:19.414-04:002020-10-02T16:47:19.414-04:00SNOB-someone who associates themselves with people...SNOB-someone who associates themselves with people of a certain class or income level specifically because they are of that class and expresses disdain openly for anyone else. <br /><br />DISCRIMINATING- Someone who associates themselves with people who hold certain values but reacts with respect and decency to those who do not. John Bhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14311285732830011277noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714922182513339530.post-37848946542869676222020-10-01T12:13:11.546-04:002020-10-01T12:13:11.546-04:00In Europe where I live (I am Swiss-American), as i...In Europe where I live (I am Swiss-American), as in the UK, to be called a "snob" is extremely disparaging and unflattering. To be a snob about something one tends to be a purist or an expert about (like being a "wine snob", a "book snob" or a snob about radio - I only listen to BBC Radio 4 or Classic FM, for example) is a different matter entirely, but to hold oneself in lofty regard over others to the point of excluding them, is seen as pretentious, and snobbery is mostly seen as a smug and contemptuous kind of masking an underlying sense of shame. That is why "snob" is such a derogatory word. TwistyTreehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15127781091098128473noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714922182513339530.post-4610609318234799172020-09-30T22:01:25.877-04:002020-09-30T22:01:25.877-04:00"They" say "snob" as if it'..."They" say "snob" as if it's a bad thing!Jill S. Masonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00287758847014496996noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714922182513339530.post-10093483612193376802020-09-30T14:32:46.978-04:002020-09-30T14:32:46.978-04:00There is snob and then there is snob. The former i...There is snob and then there is snob. The former is one whose holier than thou attitude permeates everything about them. They wear their patronizing countenance as if it were a badge of honor. Their condescension and insensitivity to others, whether it be overt or subtle, is a hallmark of who they are. They look down their nose at everyone they perceive as beneath them.<br /><br />The latter is someone who is kind, polite, friendly, altruistic and charitable. If they feel superior they keep it to themselves; basically good human beings with a high opinion of themselves. If one is going to embody snobbishness it is better to fall into the latter category.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714922182513339530.post-71261456946019457712020-09-30T12:05:10.394-04:002020-09-30T12:05:10.394-04:00Well said. I would add that snob is an insult by d...Well said. I would add that snob is an insult by definition:<br /><br />"One who blatantly imitates, fawningly admires, or vulgarly seeks association with those regarded as social superiors. One who tends to rebuff, avoid, or ignore those regarded as inferior. One who has an offensive air of superiority in matters of knowledge or taste."<br /><br />And if one person said it, twenty were thinking it. How could it be a virtue to make oneself so disagreeable to one's social circle?Mattnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714922182513339530.post-70279233225485090612020-09-30T10:01:25.636-04:002020-09-30T10:01:25.636-04:00I love this reply. Yes, kindness always counts fir...I love this reply. Yes, kindness always counts first. TwistyTreehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15127781091098128473noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714922182513339530.post-23184317142773354332020-09-30T09:19:24.969-04:002020-09-30T09:19:24.969-04:00I confess to being a blog snob -- this is the only...I confess to being a blog snob -- this is the only one I read. And I love it. Excellent community. Thank you, Muffy.<br />Suzanne in BoulderAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714922182513339530.post-19841504403450705722020-09-30T09:17:40.728-04:002020-09-30T09:17:40.728-04:00Not lost, just not highly visible, tending to keep...Not lost, just not highly visible, tending to keep ourselves to ourselves.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714922182513339530.post-56031905740131420762020-09-30T09:14:19.368-04:002020-09-30T09:14:19.368-04:00Ty, You are 100% correct about that!Ty, You are 100% correct about that!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714922182513339530.post-22204613122514775792020-09-30T08:56:06.326-04:002020-09-30T08:56:06.326-04:00I think this is a wise and kind analysis. The last...I think this is a wise and kind analysis. The last sentence also made me laugh, reminding me of good times with old friends, "a shared condition" indeed. DGTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714922182513339530.post-75471867561862330912020-09-30T04:12:08.068-04:002020-09-30T04:12:08.068-04:00@Averyl: I couldn't have said it better myself...@Averyl: I couldn't have said it better myself!TwistyTreehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15127781091098128473noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714922182513339530.post-81966771101177003852020-09-30T04:10:35.952-04:002020-09-30T04:10:35.952-04:00@Averyl: Hear! Hear! I wholeheartedly agree. I'...@Averyl: Hear! Hear! I wholeheartedly agree. I'd erroneously been called a 'snob' in my younger years, because of the way I dress and because, being a tad introverted, I probably didn't appear approachable and there was the mistaken assumption by others that I thought I was better than my peers. I agree with @Bernie who says that 'you cannot dress as a snob...you can only act like a snob'. And a snob really is someone who believes he/she is much better than everyone else. The origin of the word, arguably comes from the Latin 'sine nobilitate' ('without nobility'), which is bad enough because it favours the nobility, however its folk etymology also comes from the 18th-century English slang word for 'cobbler' (according to Oxford anyway), meant to imply someone 'of low rank or status' who aspires to 'imitate those of higher social standing'. Both propositions are distasteful, so it indeed is never nice to be a snob, or to be called one. I certainly do not think that because I dress differently/traditionally and have certain tastes, that I am better than anyone. They are merely personal preferences for the way I wish to live. TwistyTreehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15127781091098128473noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714922182513339530.post-48796414351245459102020-09-29T18:34:03.477-04:002020-09-29T18:34:03.477-04:00Looks like someone wanted to pull the pin on the h...Looks like someone wanted to pull the pin on the hand grenade today. I am looking at one now on our side table courtesy of my grandfather Capt AEF USA WW I. I always subscribe to Mammy's comment/advice in Gone With the Wind to Scarlett & Rhett.<br />" She said we could give ourselves airs & get ourselves rigged up & were like racehorses & we were just mules in horse's harness & didn't fool anybody". Been known to use this quote while making fun of myself. Of course being a Southerner & a mule, I can pull off this move. <br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714922182513339530.post-56412736032114961032020-09-29T16:10:36.513-04:002020-09-29T16:10:36.513-04:00In 2020, a "snob" is typically a person ...In 2020, a "snob" is typically a person who has indicated preferences, standards, and/or boundaries. I suggest that the next time you are called a snob, ask with sincerity and curiosity - "Really? What do you mean? How so?" Reply, "Hmmmm, interesting" and move on. There's no reason to attempt try to persuade otherwise. On the one hand, you may be found humorless. On the other hand, it won't likely be repeated. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714922182513339530.post-42029175858504069072020-09-29T16:03:03.021-04:002020-09-29T16:03:03.021-04:00What is the point of a comment like this? It does...What is the point of a comment like this? It doesn’t have anything to do with anything.<br /><br />You had a nice post the other day about your kids. I thought here is the first evidence this guy is an actual person. Sure would like to see him more often.Sartreskyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07028559972862428523noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714922182513339530.post-45908250358459933602020-09-29T13:17:43.235-04:002020-09-29T13:17:43.235-04:00Pauvre Sartre! As I am sure all are aware, our dea...<br />Pauvre Sartre! As I am sure all are aware, our dear Satre was born in Paris, France His father, a naval officer, died before Sartre was two years old. Satre's mother and our dear, pauvre Satre returned to her parents' house, where she and her son were treated as "the children." In earlier writings not shared with Muffy, Sartre described his "unnatural" childhood as a spoiled and an unusually intelligent boy. Lacking any companions his own age, Sartre found "friends" exclusively in books. It is therefore of little wonder that our dear, pauvre Sartre has found solace in 'serious' literature, fine wine and, well, at this point in time, undisclosed other adventures. Je suis désolé pour vous.<br /><br />The Cirquitorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00520547596176411538noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714922182513339530.post-17172424311735843952020-09-29T12:57:02.318-04:002020-09-29T12:57:02.318-04:00Reverse snobbery is the most charming form, I thin...Reverse snobbery is the most charming form, I think. This is why old WASP values, difficult to find these days, remain a source of inspiration for a small number. The well used, the decrepit, the broken-down, the creased and wrinkled, the threadbare--such a robust counterpoint to the shiny (synthetic) athleisure clothing and new house/new (usually leased) car/new this-that-and-the-other vibe. Sadly much of New England, now infused with all varieties of new money and accompanying vulgarities, has lost that charm. Very sad indeed. "Polished" is now (much) preferred to "rustic." Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714922182513339530.post-36901422038784939202020-09-29T12:26:23.671-04:002020-09-29T12:26:23.671-04:00I am a Champagne Snob for certain. I would never d...I am a Champagne Snob for certain. I would never drink a fine Champagne out of a flute. One must use a larger bowl to enjoy the nuances of a Great wine, that just happen to have bubbles. <br /><br /><br />David J CooperAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714922182513339530.post-72698902906687807822020-09-29T12:13:03.679-04:002020-09-29T12:13:03.679-04:00Grew up in a very modest household. Attended publ...Grew up in a very modest household. Attended public schools. Am gainfully employed. But have always had a traditional sense of good taste. Managed to buy a very nice house. Sent my kids to top quality schools. All in all, consider myself pretty successful. Not sure that makes me a snob or a Horatio Alger story come to life. Connie Murraynoreply@blogger.com