Snobbery: the casting judgement on others based on perceived wealth and/or social status. It also has a corollary in the form of reverse snobbery which involves rejecting others because of their wealth or social status.
But the word has attained a new meaning which may not be fair. We speak of wine snobs and food snobs and coffee snobs. Some food groups have their own individual snobs, such as cheese, or chocolate.
The intellectual snobs as well can be general or specific, as with art, literature, and music snobs. Clothing and decor get in on the act with those who will use only natural fibers, or those who insist on tile and wood over plastic.
But, are any of these self-professed snobs actual snobs, or are they merely discerning? Could they better be called aficionados? Do they actively feel superior to those who don’t share their level of devotion?
The truth is that everything does have a quality differential. The bottle of artisan Sonoma County Pinot Noir actually is better than the two buck chuck. The question is, would the self-professed wine “snob” snub a friend who offered him plonk? A true. snob would. If they even had a friend who would offer plonk.
I am an aspiring coffee snob. That is to say, I much prefer freshly ground Major Dickason to Folgers. I have spent hours looking into a good burr grinder, though I have not bought one yet. I care about water quality and temperature. But I pale in comparison to some people I know who have all the contraptions and even roast their own beans. I am addicted to coffee and will drink the Folgers with gratitude if that is the only thing available. And I won’t indicate displeasure, by word or upturned nose. I would say I truly am an aficionado, not a snob.
I know that this use of the word has become so widespread that it is essentially unstoppable. I would suggest that if you use the word snob, about yourself or anyone else, that you be clear what meaning you intend. And if it is the limited meaning described here, perhaps attach a word of explanation. Or just call it good taste in a selected area.