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'The masses' refers to the lower classes (look at any dictionary and how the word has historically been used - 'opiate of the masses', 'the unwashed masses'). I
by solidasparagus 7y ago
'The masses' refers to the lower classes (look at any dictionary and how the word has historically been used - 'opiate of the masses', 'the unwashed masses'). It would not typically be correct to say that a Googler is part of the lower classer. 'The masses' is definitely not the same as 'everyone'.
- tomc1985 7y agoIn your negative case you're using modifier words to change the meaning of "masses". Besides, why be part of the PC police??
- skinnymuch 7y agoSaying unwashed before most words standing in for people would likely not be a nice thing to say. So of course unwashed masses isn’t a good phrase. Nor is “unwashed people”
- tom_ 7y agoAnother way of putting it: words have connotations as well as meanings. People do sometimes seem to forget this! - so it's good to have a reminder.
- solidasparagus 7y agoWell put