In a living language, words are always evolving. They gain and lose meanings, turn from positive characteristics into insults, and then do the opposite way. There are many examples of this, but one of the brightest deservedly can be considered "nouveau riche". This concept is used by representatives of different social strata: from aristocrats to ordinary citizens. However, everyone interprets it in their own way, puts in unusual meanings, and therefore it is necessary to carefully monitor the context so as not to be deceived.
Revolutionary mood
Where did the term come from? Researchers refer to the period of the birth and formation of capitalism. The French bourgeoisie applied particular zeal, which is why the definition of nouveau riche appeared in the speech of the Parisians. Literally translated, "nouveau riche" is the new rich man.
Such a “rich man” is a person who comes from a family of ruined nobles, simple merchants or is completely rootless, but at the same time managed to achieve considerable success in enrichment and accumulate a considerable fortune in a short time.
Negative connotation
In the modern world, the ability to achieve a goal,working hard and earning capital from scratch is considered good manners. Why, when they pronounce "nouveau riche", putting the emphasis on the letter "and", do not forget about the luggage of crooked smiles and negative emotions? It's not about the meaning:
- a low-class, rapidly enriched man;
- rich upstart.
The reason is that the creators of the term were aristocrats. Noble families from ancient history, whose ancestors earned the title by deeds in the name of the state, looked down on the common people. Previously, the main we alth was concentrated in their hands, but the era of social upheaval violated the old foundations and at the same time provided excellent conditions for all kinds of speculation.
And when a tasteless, but expensively dressed gentleman appeared in high society, leading his wife in elaborate jewelry by the arm, the people around understood: this is a nouveau riche. Lack of manners, inability to follow etiquette, lack of knowledge outside the economic sphere - all this gave rise to contempt. The common people hated the first capitalists for their talent to make money where most of the citizens went bankrupt and lived starving.
Appropriate treatment
Don't take the word as an insult. Still, the ability to rise without someone else's help, to earn on your own, this is about the nouveau riche. Useful qualities worthy of respect. Unfortunately, the veil of the original meaning has been preserved, which is why the definition is more often heard in the context of criticism. The speaker implies that in pursuit of financialsuccess, the rich man has lost his human dignity, or even had none at all. Use the concept with the utmost care so as not to offend anyone!
