Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
parvenue
noun
/ˈpɑːrvəˌn(j)uː/
Definition
A person who has recently acquired wealth, influence, or social status, often considered an outsider in the higher social circles.
Examples
- After striking it rich in tech, he felt like a parvenue at the gala, surrounded by old money.
- She was often viewed as a parvenue, despite her attempts to fit in with the traditional elite.
Meaning
Parvenue refers to someone who, having achieved new wealth or status, lacks the refinement or pedigree associated with long-standing social elites.
Synonyms
- Upstart
- Newcomer
- Social climber
- Arriviste
