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Where does the word "nouveau riche" come from? It comes from French nouveau riche, and was adopted directly into English (1810s).
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Where does the word "nouveau riche" come from? It comes from French nouveau riche, and was adopted directly into English (1810s).
Nouveau riche’s story begins in French: nouveau riche meant “new rich.” 'new rich', a snub from established families. It reached English by 1810s as nouveau riche. Borrowed as industry created new fortunes in Britain. Today, nouveau riche means people who have recently become rich and flaunt it.
- Stage 1 · French · 1700s nouveau riche "new rich", 'new rich', a snub from established families.
- Stage 2 · English · 1810s nouveau riche "newly rich", borrowed as industry created new fortunes in Britain.