DEFINITION: v. To take the frustration and anger you receive from one person and redirect it towards another person, usually of lower status. n. An act of aggression directed towards an individual or object that was not the source of provocation.

Plebeianimosity

Created by: Tigger

Pronunciation: /pli-bee-an-uh-MOS-i-tee/

Sentence: Every time the Regional Vice President of Sales would visit Howard's boss, the door would close, but snippets of shouting could be overheard in the hallway; phrases like "under margin!" and "over budget!" were common ones. Then when the VP left, Mr. Cross would emerge to browbeat and threaten to fire the entire office staff. This sort of plebeianimosity would usually last a week or so before things got back to normal.

Etymology: Plebeian - a member of the common people; a member of the lower classes (From Latin plēbius "of the common people" [of ancient Rome] in distinction from the priveledged patrician class) + Animosity - a hostile feeling or act (from Latin, animosus "bold, spirited")

Points: 992

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