Liberal elite

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Liberal elite is a label for educated, wealthy, urban people who hold liberal or progressive political views and often work in powerful jobs. It’s usually used as an insult, suggesting they act like they’re better than ordinary people and are out of touch with what working people need.

In Canada, supporters of Ontario’s Doug Ford have called elites people who think they’re smarter and look down on the average person. Ford has echoed this idea, describing elites as those who believe they know how others should live.

Around the world, many cultures have their own versions of this idea:

- China and Taiwan: baizuo describes Western, often white, liberals who are seen as unrealistic and always signaling virtue.
- Hong Kong: zo gaau (left dumbass) targets left-wing activists who are viewed as too idealistic or morally superior.
- India: the term liberal elite refers to the English-speaking, left-leaning establishment tied to Nehruvian socialism and historical Congress power.
- Malaysia: Bangsar Bubble refers to affluent Malay youth who embrace Western progressive ideas and often use Twitter more than Facebook.
- South Korea: Gangnam Leftist (or limousine liberal) describes wealthy, educated left-leaning people in Seoul’s Gangnam area and is sometimes used for politicians abroad who are seen the same way.
- The Philippines: dilawan describes a “yellow” liberal reform politics linked to earlier political movements and elites.

In the United Kingdom and the United States, the idea shows up in culture and politics too. In Britain, champagne socialist and other phrases describe wealthy, educated liberals who are seen as comfortable with big changes and court institutions like courts and regulatory bodies rather than street-level politics. In the United States, stereotypes portray liberal elites as people in big cities who favor higher taxes, social reforms, and cultural issues. Some political ads also caricature liberals as pampered or out of touch with everyday life. It’s also common to note that many professors and university staff identify as liberals, especially at prestigious colleges.

Overall, liberal elite is a widely used label for a group seen as highly educated, urban, and politically liberal, often criticized for being out of touch with the concerns of ordinary people.