The term “nouveau riche” refers to those who have recently acquired wealth and are often considered tactless and lacking in taste. They struggle for social acceptance among established members of the upper class, known as “old money”. Generations of wealth come with responsibilities and exclusive social gatherings. Some nouveau riche try to fit in by acquiring ostentatious homes and vehicles, but this is frowned upon by old money. Sudden wealth can lead to loneliness and unhappiness. Some nouveau riche donate to charity, but this is sometimes seen as ostentatious by high society.
The term “nouveau riche” is usually used pejoratively to refer to people who have recently acquired money, usually within a generation or two. The term is used by established members of the upper class representing dynasties of wealth, some of which have existed for centuries. People described in this way are generally considered to be tactless, lacking in taste, and following questionable cultural or social practices. Most members of the nouveau riche are unaware of how offensive their behavior appears to others.
The phrase is French for “new rich” and the term “new money” is sometimes used to refer to this group. People who benefit from generations of wealth are generally classified as “old money” and tend to be prominent members of society. Lists of notable people in a community usually include old money, sometimes dismissed by others as traditionalists or the “old guard.”
Members of the nouveau riche usually struggle for social acceptance. With the old money comes centuries of fine pedigree, with exclusive social gatherings made between people of similar social status. It also comes with responsibilities, and most wealthy parents send their children to exclusive private schools for a thorough education that includes a discussion of how to handle money. The nouveau riche usually push their way up from the lower classes and are perceived as of lesser social value.
Often, a member of the nouveau riche has not received the benefit of an elaborate private school education and generations of imbued with established cultural and social values. As a result, she tries to fit in as best she can with the old money. Often, this results in the acquisition of ostentatious homes, furnishings and vehicles. This practice is frowned upon by the old money and is generally referred to as “flaunting”.
Especially in highly closed societies, people with new money may never achieve social acceptance among people who have held wealth for generations. However, a member’s wealth of the nouveau riche separates him from people of the lower classes. As a result, some people find that sudden acquisition of wealth results in loneliness and unhappiness, rather than a sudden solution of general problems.
Some people who have recently acquired their money are well known for generous donations to social causes. The practice of contributing to charity has long been praised as a virtue among members of the old money, but some members of high society might call it ostentation rather than charity. This unfortunate judgmental attitude has led many wealthy individuals to band together, forming their own charities and social clubs where they will be accepted.
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