Standard Lemma guide
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.
noun
A member of the top one percent of a population by wealth, ability, etc. (same as the ninety-ninth percentile), especially in a society with high wealth inequality.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: 99 percent
noun
An esoteric joke which is unlikely to be appreciated by a general audience.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: idiomatic
Topics: comedy, entertainment, lifestyle
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
noun
An individual who seeks recognition for an idea without contributing the substantial effort required to realize or implement it.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: idiomatic
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
noun
An outlaw biker, such as a member of the Hells Angels motorcycle club.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: idiomatic, informal
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
History
From one percent + -er. After Thomas Edison, who wrote: "Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration." The motorcycling sense comes from a supposed statement made by the American Motorcycle Association in 1948 that 99% of motorcyclists are decent people enjoying a clean sport, and it is only 1% who are antisocial.
