"Salt of the earth"...

[cheeriosatdawn]

A notorious snob used this term to describe a friend of mine the other day, then feigned deep hurt and surprise that I didn't pretend to think it a compliment of sorts.

My take on that isn't due only to the phrase, but to the person who uttered it--and what I know she thinks of the woman she used it in reference to.

The speaker can be hideous. And is an elitist to the tips of her (unpolished because polish is deeply vulgar) fingers.

And I know she thinks the friend of mine she was referencing is her inferior.

But AIBU?

If you used the term "salt of the earth" to describe someone, what would you really be trying to say?

[MeMeMeMe123]

iirc ive used it to mean the grafters, unsung heroes, unassuming people of this world.

its not a phrase id use often though - not sure that many people fall into those categories any more

[Lashalicious]

charleschaplin has it. The phrase is from the Bible and there you will find out the meaning. It is one of the best things someone could say about you. I agree with pp that find it a high compliment. Though, Op, if it were said sarcastically as you said the person had previously said unkind things about the other person, then maybe she tried to imply something. My mom who used to work for a while at the same place I did, overheard my colleague, when people who talking about a business trip I took with the colleague’s husband, she said I must be “special” to be chosen to go on the trip. My mother felt she was resentful/jealous I went on the trip with the husband. However, she has always been very nice to me so who knows. But generally, salt of the earth is a high compliment and did not originally refer to a person of a lower social class but of a higher moral integrity, purpose, and with a positive evangelizing effect on others. Social class doesn’t come into it but perhaps was added later to make it an insult somehow.

[Whitegrenache]

What everyone else says.... if I had been described as salt of the earth I would be proud!

[LoislovesStewie]

It's from the Bible; it means a good,decent person.

[AnnieAnoniMouse]

All good things, nothing bad. Kindness, a willingness to actually help out with the basics, thoughtful of real need etc & not exactly class related - it’s just slightly less likely to apply to the aristocracy because they’re not known for their ability or willingness to get stuck in and ‘do’ helpful & useful things for others.

[SilverySurfer]

Surely it means a dependable, reliable, honest, good, hard working person. I don't see it as snobbish to describe someone as such.

[charlestonchaplin]

I think one way it may be used in modern English language is to describe a person who lacks sophistication/charm/airs and graces, so the speaker may see them as different from themselves and the person they are speaking to socially, but ultimately they are acknowledging their good, honest character.

[happypoobum]

It's a Biblical reference.

The meaning is someone who is humble and lacking pretension. I wouldn't consider that to be an insult.

[ButchyRestingFace]

I have only ever heard this term used positively, never pejoratively.

I can see how it might have classist overtones depending on context, but if this “notorious snob” is as “hideous” as you claim, I think you should have waited for a far less ambiguous example to pull her up on.

What exactly did you say?

[Finderscrispy]

Context is needed really.

it’s mostly used to desribe someone who is genuine, down to earth, warm etc.

But I’ve also heard people use it to imply someone is a bit common.

[Unfinishedkitchen]

It matters who says it and how. For example at school after returning after summer holidays if certain girls said you looked ‘well’ or ‘healthy’ they meant you’d gotten fat over the summer. ‘Salt Of the earth’ could mean ‘chav’ when said by the wrong type.

[Ohyesiam]

I don't see it as a pejorative description. It connotes hard working and honest, important to their community but in a quiet way, not a leader.

[ElephantsandTigers]

It's a compliment.

[AcrossthePond55]

"Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his
savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good
for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men."
Matthew 5:13

"Salt of the Earth" in this context is someone/something that is good, that adds something positive to its/their surroundings. In this context, it's a compliment.

Of course, sarcasm and snobbery can change the meaning of a phrase completely just by a facial expression or tone of voice.

[SheGotBetteDavisEyes]

Kind, honest and hard working . But also has class connotations it would be directed at someone who is working class

I'd probably agree with this. I wouldn't consider it to be insulting though.

[MonumentalAlabaster]

To me it has only positive connotations

[FuzzyCustard]

Agree that it is a Biblicly-based compliment.
Salt used to be a really valuable commodity that people were paid in (hence "salary") so it implies they are extremely valuable and irreplaceable. That's HAS to be a compliment!

[Winebottle]

Its a compliment. Any compliment can be used in a patronising way but there is nothing wrong with the phrase.

[Hellywelly10]

Never heard it used to describe a posh person.

[SpuriouserAndSpuriouser]

I would say that it's generally complimentary but I can definitely see how it could be used as a bank-handed compliment, especially if the person who said it has form for being a snob.

[Ribbonnu]

I've only really heard this when I was living in the north east. I took it to be a big compliment when I was called it on a couple of occasions and was rather pleased.
Pretty sure I described other people with that phrase too - I meant it as genuine, kind and unpretentious.

[rcit]

Salt of the earth is complimentary. Good person, kind, hardworking, loyal, decent etc

[UserX]

I think you are all incredibly naive. It may seem a compliment on the surface but is only ever used to describe working class people, and usually only by middle class or posh types. It’s pretty patronizing if you think about it: “oh he’s a bin man but he’s a great guy, salt of the earth really” It’s on par with “Not that there’s anything wrong with that.”

[Passmethecrisps]

This is interesting. One of the midwives who visited in the days after dd was born was described as salt of the earth by my mil.

The midwife was straight talking, no airs and graces and was very kind

[Gemini69]

oh my