There is the distinction , where is the diffrence? [between arrogance and elitism]
I would say that an arrogant person shows disrespect openly to others, whereas an elitist thinks he is better than others, but won't necessarily speak disrespectfully to them. Also, an elitist comes from an upper socioeconomic class in society which in general thinks it is entitled to have its interests attended to before the interests of "the rabble." And thinks it is entitled to a certain amount of deference from "the rabble." Elitism is an upper-class phenomenon, manifested in the feeling of superiority they derive from having been educated at "exclusive" schools, descended from "illustrious" ancestors, living in exclusive residential areas, etc. Vacationing for example in Biarritz or Palm Beach rather than St. Tropez or Miami Beach. Going to Yale rather than University of Michigan.
Arrogance transcends all social classes. You can be arrogant without being a member of an elite. sirs, for instance, is a perfect example of arrogance without a trace of elitism.
Generally speaking, an elite does not have to work for a living, there is enough family money in trust funds that an elite never has to apply for a job, beg a boss for a second chance or ask for extra vacation time. This is not always the case, because sometimes an elite family falls upon hard times and its members have to work for a living. Such was the case with Jacqueline Bouvier, whose family, once one of the wealthiest in America, lost everything in the Depression, forcing Jacquie to work as a journalist.
