the vulgar masses; the ignorant multitude
A somewhat literary or formal term referring to the common people as a foolish, easily swayed crowd. Often carries a critical or elitist tone.
Education is important to avoid falling into mob rule.
He stuck to his convictions without being swayed by the voice of the ignorant masses.
mob rule; ochlocracy
Compound of 衆 (shū, 'multitude') and 愚 (gu, 'foolish'). The combination directly conveys 'foolish masses'.