Social Climbers
Encyclopedia
A social climber is someone who seeks social prominence, for example by obsequious behavior. The term is sometimes used as synonymous with parvenu
, one who has suddenly risen to a higher economic status but has not gained the social acceptance of others in that class. "Social climber" may be used as an insult, suggesting a poor work ethic or disloyalty to roots. Social climbers, for example Mr. Elton in Jane Austen's Emma
, have been found in fiction for at least two centuries. The Franklin in The Franklin's Tale by Geoffery Chaucer is also considered a social climber of his time. In films & television, Hyacinth Bouquet, protagonist of Keeping Up Appearances
, is a more recent example.
Parvenu
A Parvenu is a person who is a relative newcomer to a socioeconomic class. The word is borrowed from the French language; it is the past participle of the verb parvenir...
, one who has suddenly risen to a higher economic status but has not gained the social acceptance of others in that class. "Social climber" may be used as an insult, suggesting a poor work ethic or disloyalty to roots. Social climbers, for example Mr. Elton in Jane Austen's Emma
Emma
Emma, by Jane Austen, is a novel about the perils of misconstrued romance. The novel was first published in December 1815. As in her other novels, Austen explores the concerns and difficulties of genteel women living in Georgian-Regency England; she also creates a lively 'comedy of manners' among...
, have been found in fiction for at least two centuries. The Franklin in The Franklin's Tale by Geoffery Chaucer is also considered a social climber of his time. In films & television, Hyacinth Bouquet, protagonist of Keeping Up Appearances
Keeping Up Appearances
Keeping Up Appearances is a British sitcom created and written by Roy Clarke for the BBC. Centred on the life of eccentric, social-climbing snob Hyacinth Bucket , the sitcom portrays a social hierarchy-ruled British society...
, is a more recent example.