lowly person; insignificant person; person of humble means
A somewhat literary or old-fashioned term for someone of low status, small salary, or little importance. Often used in a dismissive or self-deprecating way.
He always humbles himself, calling himself a lowly person.
Don't mind what such an insignificant person says.
Compound of 小 (small, petty) and 輩 (fellow, comrade). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the combination naturally yields the meaning 'petty fellow' or 'lowly person'.