First Known Use: 1668
Dictionary
1hoity–toity
noun hoi·ty–toi·ty \ˌhȯi-tē-ˈtȯi-tē, ˌhī-tē-ˈtī-tē\
Definition of HOITY-TOITY
: thoughtless giddy behavior
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Origin of HOITY-TOITY
rhyming compound from English dialect hoit to play the fool
2hoity–toity
adjective
: having or showing the insulting attitude of people who think that they are better, smarter, or more important than other people
Full Definition of HOITY-TOITY
1
: thoughtlessly silly or frivolous : flighty
2
: marked by an air of assumed importance : highfalutin
See hoity–toity defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of HOITY-TOITY
1812
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