Nouveau-riche (Adjective)
Meaning
Characteristic of someone who has risen economically or socially but lacks the social skills appropriate for this new position.
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- The nouveau-riche businessman flaunted his wealth with gaudy jewelry and a loud mouth, but his lack of tact made him an outcast among his peers.
- Her nouveau-riche neighbors were notorious for throwing extravagant parties, but their poor manners and lack of refinement made them the laughing stock of the community.
- Despite his newfound wealth, the nouveau-riche entrepreneur struggled to fit in with the old-money crowd, who saw him as a crass and unsophisticated upstart.
- The nouveau-riche socialite's attempts to buy her way into high society were met with skepticism and disdain by those who valued breeding and tradition over mere wealth.
- The nouveau-riche politician's populist rhetoric and flashy suits couldn't hide his lack of substance and polish, and he was ultimately seen as a shallow and untrustworthy figure.