Question: Not being a speaker of British English, I was much amused on discovering the new adjective *toffee-nosed*. The American Heritage dictionary doesn't list it at all, but I found a definition in Collins:

> 
> snobbish; pretentiously superior 
> 
> 
> 

The Phrase Finder (UK) goes on to [explain](http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/toffee-nosed.html) that it derives from *toff*, a slang term given by the lower-classes to stylishly-dressed upper-class gentlemen. So immediately there is a classist aspect to it. Apparently it is also >150 years old, and not used throughout the UK.

I have two (well, more technically) questions about this word. 

Is the word itself still understood as being used by the lower class, or does its use connote something about the user other than disdain for the upper class? (Rephrased, is someone who uses the word *toffee-nosed* today, actually *"toffee-nosed"*, that is, pretentious?)

And why is this illustration of a man with a *pineapple* (*ananas*) on his chest found with the definition of *toffee-nosed*? Does it imply anything about language?

![man with a pineapple on chest![b](https://i.stack.imgur.com/Yb86u.png)

Answer: 
Regarding the illustration. 

It does look rather like a pineapple but I suspect it is just the clipart creator's idea of a [jabot](http://www.thefreedictionary.com/jabot). These were worn by upper-class men at various times in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries and are still sometimes worn with formal Scottish attire. ([illustations](http://shadyislepirates.com/?q=node/158)) 

At various times either a stand-up collar or a jabot was in fashion for upper-class men. Wearing both at the same time would not be usual, but perhaps that is the point of the illustration. It's use suggests that a toffee-nosed person feels he is so superior that just one or other of these signs of status is not enough - he has to wear both.
You are correct that it is archaic.

An interest in archaic language could in itself be an indication of middle-class status, although not an infallible one.

See Kate Fox's very well-observed book "[Watching the English](http://www.amazon.co.uk/Watching-English-Hidden-Rules-Behaviour/dp/0340818867)" for more class indicators.

Oh, and I have no idea about the pineapple. That's just weird.