The term "Plebian" originates from ancient Rome, where it referred to the common people, as opposed to the elite class known as the Patricians. Plebians were typically farmers, laborers, and artisans who had limited political power and social status. Over time, they fought for and gained more rights, contributing to the development of the Roman Republic. In modern usage, "plebian" can describe someone who is considered ordinary or lacking in sophistication. It often carries a connotation of being unsophisticated or unrefined, contrasting with the more cultured or elite individuals in society.