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nouveau riche

Verified French in English Society & ideas
nouveau riche
nouveau riche

Definition

Recently wealthy, especially when displaying wealth ostentatiously.

From French nouveau riche.

Merriam-Webster records circa 1796 for this headword. The date refers to the dictionary’s recorded sense, which may differ from the meaning illustrated here. See the dictionary entry.

Example of use

The columnist mocked the nouveau riche display of cars.

Historical attestation

circa 1796

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nouveau%20riche

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