Big Words

What kind of pompous and self-edifying hack would refer to themselves as "us cognoscenti" ?

Apparently, Flavia Colgan (on Larry King tonight).

She clearly feels the need to remind us she's a Harvard gal (more a sign of your family's connectedness than your IQ I always argue). Sweetie, when your politically-charged stepdaddy says you are the smartest, most beautiful girl on the planet, he is exhibiting another big word you might know: hyperbole. I'm sure you're bright ... and clearly you're exceptionally opportunistic, but we'd all be a lot better off if you'd think just a little less of yourself.