See quotation 1853.
1853. Wherein does he [the Yale student] differ from the genus by the German students denominated “Philistines,” by the Cantabs ignominiously called “Snobs,” and which custom here has named “Townies?”—Yale Lit. Mag., xix. 2 (Oct.).
1869. Later one beholds the conscious “towney” on his evening promenade, with imitative repose and ambitious necktie.—W. T. Washburn, ‘Fair Harvard,’ p. 54 (N.Y.).
