Cliquy

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. marked by a tendency to foster small, exclusive social groups that often create a sense of belonging while simultaneously distancing outsiders
2. involving exclusive social interactions that promote tight-knit communities, often at the expense of broader inclusion
3. Tending to create or support small groups that share close bonds while excluding others

Etymology: "Cliquy" is a straightforward formation: the noun "clique" with the suffix "-y", which turns a noun into an adjective meaning "characterised by" or "having the qualities of" the noun. A clique is a small, close-knit group that tends to shut others out, so a cliquy person, school or office is one where that exclusive pattern dominates. The suffix does the work here. English has long attached "-y" to nouns to form adjectives, as in "bossy" or "sandy", and the source treats the Old English ending as the ancestor of this modern use. The spelling "cliquey" with an extra "e" is equally standard, so the two forms can be used interchangeably.

Synonyms: exclusive, insular, selective, clannish, tight-knit

Antonyms: open, welcoming, inclusive