This except is from "the snobs" by Muriel Sparks.

Snob.A person who sets too much value on social standing, wishing to be associated with the upper class and their mores, and treating those viewed as inferior with condescension and contempt - Chambers dictionary

I feel bound to quote the above definition, it so-well fits the Ringer-Smith couple whom I knew in the 1950s and of whom I have since met variations and versions enough to fill me with wonder. Snobs are really amazing.They certainly err in failing to fool the very set of people they are hoping to be accepted by, and above all, to seem to belong to, to be taken for.They may live in a democratic society - It does nothing to help. Nothing.