Who coined the terms highbrow and lowbrow?

The exact origin of the terms "highbrow" and "lowbrow" is debated, but they likely emerged in the late 19th or early 20th century.

Here's what we know:

* Early use: The term "highbrow" was first recorded in 1902 in the *New York Times*, while "lowbrow" appeared in 1904 in the *Chicago Tribune*.

* Possible origins: Some suggest they arose from the American "hobo" culture, where "high-brows" were seen as intellectuals and "low-brows" as common laborers.

* Evolution of the terms: Initially, they referred to physical characteristics (high forehead vs. low forehead), but quickly became associated with cultural tastes and intellectual pursuits.

While a specific individual isn't definitively credited, the widespread adoption and popularization of "highbrow" and "lowbrow" during the early 20th century contributed to their lasting influence in describing cultural tastes and social hierarchies.