rank and file - negative connotation??

[manhattanproj]

does the phrase "rank and file" carry a negative connotation when it's used like such: "i don't speak with the rank and file."?

i think it does. what do you guys think?

 

[Uncle Erik]

It depends on context. The phrase you cited could be offensive, demonstrating that someone thinks they're better than the subordinates.

Though you can also use it to express that a group is disciplined and cohesive, or to refer to military-like behavior of a group. That isn't a necessarily a bad thing.