upper-crust: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘upper-crust’ mean?
The idiom "upper-crust" refers to the highest social class or the wealthiest and most privileged people in society. It implies a sense of elitism and prestige.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "upper hand" refers to having an advantage or being in control of a situation. It implies having more power, influence, or authority over others.
The idiom "upper crust" refers to the highest social class or the most privileged group within a society.
The idiom "top of the line" means something that is of the highest quality or the best in its category.
The idiom "top notch" means something that is of the highest quality or excellence.
The idiom "top end of town" refers to the wealthiest or most influential part of a city or community.
The idiom "top drawer" means something of the highest quality or highest rank.
The idiom "top dollar" means to pay the highest possible price for something. It is often used to describe an expensive purchase or a salary at the highest end of the pay scale.
"Stuck up" is an idiom used to describe someone who is arrogant, snobbish, or thinks they are superior to others. It implies a sense of haughtiness and a lack of humility.
The idiom "social ladder" refers to the hierarchical ranking of individuals based on their social status. It implies the idea of climbing up the ladder to gain higher social standing or prestige within a society.
The Elusive Aristocrats
The idiom "upper-crust" is an expression commonly used in the English language to describe a certain social class or group of people who are considered to be the highest or most privileged in society. It is often used to refer to the elite or aristocratic members of society who hold high positions of power, wealth, and influence. The idiom "upper-crust" is frequently used in a figurative sense to describe individuals or groups who are seen as being posh, sophisticated, or of high social standing.
The exact origins of the idiom are somewhat obscure, but it is thought to have originated in the late 19th or early 20th century in England. The term "upper-crust" refers to the top layer or outer crust of a loaf of bread, which is typically considered to be the most desirable and of the highest quality. It is believed that this association led to the metaphorical use of "upper-crust" to describe the upper class of society.
This idiom is related to the idiom "crème de la crème", which is a French term that translates to "cream of the cream" in English. Both idioms convey a sense of the highest quality or the very best that something has to offer. While "upper-crust" specifically relates to social class, "crème de la crème" can be used in a variety of contexts to describe the best in a particular category.
The idiom "crème de la crème" can be used to describe individuals, objects, or concepts that are considered to be the highest or most elite in their respective fields. It is often used to describe exceptional talent, exemplary skills, or top-notch quality. The idiom can be used to refer to a wide range of subjects, such as the top students in a school, the best performers in a competition, or the most prestigious brands in a particular industry.
While "crème de la crème" and "upper-crust" are related idioms, they emphasize slightly different aspects of superiority and excellence. "Upper-crust" primarily focuses on social class and privilege, while "crème de la crème" has a broader application and can be used to describe excellence in various contexts.
When used together, these idioms create a more nuanced understanding of the highest echelons of society. "Upper-crust" highlights the social status and privilege associated with the upper class, while "crème de la crème" emphasizes the exceptional quality and excellence that is expected of the elite.
In popular culture, the idiom "upper-crust" has been used in various forms of media, such as literature, film, and television, to depict characters or settings associated with wealth, privilege, and social status. It is often used to create a sense of contrast or conflict between the upper-crust characters and those from lower social classes.
The idiom "crème de la crème" is also commonly used in popular culture to convey a similar sense of excellence or superiority. It is often used to describe characters who are the epitome of success or achievement in their respective fields. These characters are usually portrayed as being at the top of their game and are often admired or envied by others.
Overall, the idioms "upper-crust" and "crème de la crème" are both expressions that highlight the highest levels of social class, privilege, and excellence. While "upper-crust" specifically relates to the upper class of society, "crème de la crème" can be used in a broader sense to describe the very best in a particular category. These idioms add depth and nuance to our understanding of social hierarchy and the pursuit of excellence.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "upper-crust" can be used in a sentence:
- She comes from an upper-crust family, with a long history of wealth and prestige.
- The exclusive country club is only accessible to the upper-crust members of society.
- He always dresses in the finest designer clothes, trying to project an upper-crust image.
The idiom "upper-crust" is typically used to refer to individuals or families who are considered to be part of the highest social class or elite. It reflects a sense of wealth, luxury, and high social standing. The first example sentence speaks to someone's family background and their long-standing history of affluence. The second example highlights the exclusivity of a country club, implying that only those of high social status can become members. The third example showcases someone's attempt to appear sophisticated and upper-class through their choice of clothing.
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