Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

parvenu

noun

/pɑːrˈvəːnuː/

Definition

A person who has risen to a higher social or economic status but has not gained the social acceptance that accompanies it.

Examples

After striking it rich, he became a parvenu, trying to fit in with the elite.
The novelist portrayed the parvenu as desperately trying to impress his old friends.
Her parvenu status was evident in her awkward attempts to navigate high society events.

Meaning

Often used to describe someone who is new to wealth or prominence and is perceived as lacking the refinement or manners of those who have been affluent for longer.