Nouveau riche ( Fr. "newly rich") is a term, usually derogatory, to describe persons who acquire wealth within their generation, and spend it conspicuously. The implication is that, being of lower- or middle-class origin, these individuals lack the taste to properly use wealth.
The concept of "nouveau riche" is exemplified by many American celebrities. In fact, most (newly or otherwise) wealthy Americans are not part of the "visible wealthy" class that "nouveau riche" entails.
This class of people is sometimes ill-regarded by old money as culturally inferior, comparatively lacking in pedigree and subtlety.
Rodney Dangerfield in Caddyshack has been cited as one example of the archetypal "nouveau riche" persona.
See also