E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Sour Grapeism.
An assumed contempt or indifference to the unattainable. (See above.)
1
“There, economy was always ‘elegant,’ and money-spending always ‘vulgar’ and ostentatious—a sort of sour grapeisni, which made us very peaceful and satisfied.”—Mrs. Gaskell: Cranford, chap. i.
