arrivist
|ar-riv-ist|
/əˈrɪvɪst/
social climber
Etymology
'arrivist' originates from French, specifically the word 'arriviste', where 'arriver' meant 'to arrive'.
'arrivist' entered English in the 19th century from French 'arriviste'; the French term described someone who had recently 'arrived' socially, and English adopted both 'arriviste' and the variant spelling 'arrivist'.
Initially it meant 'one who arrives' or simply a newcomer; over time it evolved into the specific sense 'an ambitious social climber' or 'parvenu'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person who has recently acquired wealth or social status and eagerly seeks to climb the social ladder; a social climber (often used disparagingly).
The gala drew many arrivist guests hoping to be noticed by the city's old money.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/19 21:55