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Yuppie Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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yuppie

[ˈjʌpi ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

social class

A yuppie is a term that refers to a young urban professional who is typically well-educated, ambitious, and career-focused. The term is often associated with the culture of the 1980s, when there was a significant rise in the number of young professionals in cities. Yuppies are known for their consumerist attitudes and for valuing material success. They often engage in lifestyle trends that emphasize wealth, luxury, and status. The term can also carry a connotation of elitism and a preoccupation with image and appearances.

Synonyms

careerist, urban professional, young professional.

Examples of usage

  • The city was full of yuppies chasing their careers.
  • Yuppies often prefer upscale restaurants and boutiques.
  • In the 80s, yuppies became a cultural phenomenon.
  • The yuppie lifestyle is characterized by a focus on luxury.
  • Many yuppies are invested in health and fitness.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Cultural Impact

  • Yuppies were linked to the economic boom of the 1980s in the United States, reflecting a focus on wealth and consumerism.
  • The 1980s TV show 'Family Ties' featured a character named Alex P. Keaton, representing the yuppie lifestyle with his drive for success.

Fashion and Lifestyle

  • Yuppies popularized certain fashion trends, like designer suits and high-end casual wear, shaping the business casual look.
  • They often enjoyed leisure activities such as gourmet dining and fitness classes, emphasizing a leisurely yet upscale lifestyle.

Criticism

  • Yuppies have been criticized for being materialistic and self-centered, prioritizing personal gain over community interests.
  • Their lifestyle is sometimes viewed as contributing to rising inequality, particularly in urban areas where housing prices soared.

Modern Usage

  • Today, 'yuppie' can refer to anyone resembling that lifestyle, even if they are not young, evolving into a broader term.
  • The rise of 'millennials' and 'digital nomads' has led to discussions about new versions of the yuppie ethos in the modern workforce.

Origin of 'yuppie'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'yuppie' was first coined in the 1980s, combining 'young' and 'urban professional.'
  • Originally, the word was often used to describe people who were just starting their careers in big cities like New York.

The term 'yuppie' is a blend of 'young urban professional.' It originated in the United States during the 1980s as a colloquialism to describe a specific social class that emerged in urban areas. With the economic boom of the time, a new generation of professionals was rising, characterized by their focus on successful careers and an affluent lifestyle. The magazine 'The New York Observer' is credited with popularizing the term in 1984, where it was used to capture the essence of young professionals who were reshaping urban environments. The rise of technology and finance sectors contributed significantly to the yuppie lifestyle, as many were able to command high salaries. Throughout the years, the term has evolved and is sometimes used pejoratively to highlight perceived superficiality and materialism.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,490, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.