# great unwashed

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/great-unwashed
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

The general populace, particularly the working class.

## Examples

- 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.

## Origin

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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.