'polloi' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'polloí' (Greek 'πολλοί'), where the root (from πολύς 'polús') meant 'many.'

'polloi' was borrowed into English as part of the phrase 'hoi polloi' from Modern/Ancient Greek 'hoi polloí' (ὁἱ πολλοί) and entered English usage in the 19th century largely unchanged.

Initially in Greek it meant 'many,' but in English it evolved to mean 'the masses' or 'common people,' often carrying a mildly pejorative sense.