Lexic.us

Definition of Nouveau-riche

1. Adjective. Characteristic of someone who has risen economically or socially but lacks the social skills appropriate for this new position.

2. Noun. A person who has suddenly risen to a higher economic status but has not gained social acceptance of others in that class.

Lexicographical Neighbors of Nouveau-riche

noursles noursling nous nouse nousell nouselled nousells nouses nousle nousled

nousles nousling nout nouthe nouveau nouveau-riche (current term) nouveau riche nouveaux riches nouvelle nouvelle cuisine

nouvelles nova nova remnant nova remnants nova scotia novaculite novaculites novae novakite novalia

Literary usage of Nouveau-riche

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. The Passion of Labour by Robert Lynd (1921)
"IX The Nouveau Riche THERE has seldom been anyone more consistently ... The nouveau riche of to-day is despised even by the nouveau riche of yesterday. ..."

2. Italy: With Sketches of Spain and Portugal by William Beckford (1835)
"A nouveau riche.—His house.—Walk on the veranda of the palace at Belem.— Train of attendants at dinner.— Portuguese gluttony.— Black dose of legendary ..."

3. Last Days of Knickerbocker Life in New York by Abram Child Dayton (1896)
"... in woman's dress—Mrs. Croesus—Madame Nouveau-Riche—Woman's modesty and charm — Knickerbocker hospitality — Grandmother's pantry—Grandmother's parlor—The ..."

4. Last Days of Knickerbocker Life in New York by Abram Child Dayton (1897)
"... in woman's dress—Mrs. Croesus—Madame Nouveau-Riche—Woman's modesty and charm — Knickerbocker hospitality — Grandmother's pantry—Grandmother's parlor—The ..."

5. Correspondence & Conversations of Alexis de Tocqueville with Nassau William by Alexis de Tocqueville, Nassau William Senior (1872)
"'The modern nouveau riche,' said Beaumont, 'has little resemblance to M. Jourdain. He talks of his horses and his carriages, builds a great hotel, ..."

6. Piccadilly to Pall Mall: Manners, Morals, and Man by Ralph Nevill, Charles Edward Jerningham (1909)
"Another sort of nouveau riche of a more adventurous nature disdains all outside help and boldly pushes himself to the front, his first move being to blossom ..."

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