hoity-toity (adjective)/ΛhΙΙͺ.tiΛtΙΙͺ.ti/ β Pompous, self-important and snobbish.
hoity toity sounds exactly like hoity-toity but has a different meaning and spelling. Mixing these up is one of the most common spelling mistakes in English.
hoity-toity
adjective
Pompous, self-important and snobbish.
How to Remember the Difference
- β Focus on meaning first β once you know what each word means, the correct spelling follows naturally.
- β Write a test sentence for each word and save it as a reference.
- β When in doubt, look up the definition β if it doesn't match your sentence, switch to the homophone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a homophone of hoity-toity?
hoity toity is a homophone of "hoity-toity". They sound identical when spoken but have different meanings and spellings.
What is the difference between hoity-toity and hoity toity?
"hoity-toity" and "hoity toity" sound the same but have different meanings. See the definitions above for how to use each correctly.
What is a homophone?
A homophone is a word that sounds exactly like another word but has a different meaning and often a different spelling. Examples include "their / there / they're", "to / too / two", and "hoity-toity / hoity toity". Homophones are a common source of spelling and grammar mistakes.
How do I remember the difference between hoity-toity and hoity toity?
A good strategy is to memorize a short sentence that uses each word correctly, then recall that sentence when you are unsure. For example, focus on the meaning first β then let the spelling follow from context. Reading and writing regularly also helps these distinctions become automatic.