great unwashed
The general populace, particularly the working class.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The politician rarely speaks directly to the great unwashed.”
“He acts like he is too good to eat with the great unwashed.”
“The private club keeps its doors closed to the great unwashed.”
“The wealthy owner built a private gate to avoid mixing with the great unwashed at the public beach.”
“The famous actor wore a heavy disguise because he did not want to be recognized by the great unwashed while shopping for groceries.”
“Some critics argue that modern art galleries are designed to be confusing so they can keep the great unwashed away from the exhibits.”
“The aristocrat looked down from his balcony, seemingly convinced that his refined lifestyle was entirely separate from the concerns of the great unwashed.”
first recorded 19th c.
While often attributed to Edmund Burke, the phrase first appeared in print in 1830. Edward Bulwer-Lytton included the term in a dedicatory epistle for his novel Paul Clifford, providing a name for the populace that has outlasted the specific literary context of the work.
- 01
a great deal
Very much; to a great extent; a lot; lots.
- 02
go great guns
To perform particularly well; to be particularly successful.
- 03
go to great lengths
To make a major effort; to be very careful when doing something, especially to an extreme or excessive degree.
- 04
great balls of fire
Expressing great surprise.
- 05
great beyond
the afterlife.
- 06
great deal
Large number, amount, or extent; profusion.
- 07
great job
well done; congratulations! (a praise for someone's efforts, possibly to a higher degree than good job!)
- 08
little strokes fell great oaks
Small but persistent efforts can lead to big results.
Last updated August 10, 2026