holier-than-thou
1
8.2
- idiom
- /ˈhoʊliər ðən ðaʊ/
- Offensive
:
santurrón
- She always acts like a holier-than-thou person, looking down on those who make different choices.
Examples
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His holier-than-thou attitude makes it hard for him to connect with others who don't share his beliefs.
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Right now, the church's reputation (especially in the gay community) is that we're a bunch of holier-than-thou jerks who are quick to preach and dole out advice but slow to take an interest in people.
Blog text (13) -
Would it come off as if I were some sort of holier-than-thou person?
Blog text (9) -
Leave the country, and then get asked a lot of stupid questions from a holier-than-thou immigration officer about "Why did you spend so much time in that country?"
Blog text (9) -
So all you holier-than-thou judgmental freaks out there who like to go on about what people should or should not eat.
Blog text (15) -
I personally cannot stand the holier-than-thou crowd (have to go to church, have to be against gay marriage, have to impose views on abortion onto everyone).
Blog text (6) -
Critics described the celebrity's remarks as holier-than-thou, suggesting she was judging others unfairly.
Synonyms
72
5.1
A person who thinks they are better than others because of their social status or taste
1
9.9
A person who thinks they are more important than other people
A person who behaves as if they are better than everyone else
Surface Forms
Etymology
Holier-than-thou as a noun names a person who acts 'more holy than you' and judges others, using the same parts holy ('pure') and old thou ('you'). So a holier-than-thou is someone who shows a proud or judgemental attitude about right and wrong.