Wednesday Word: Parvenu
Parvenu - noun. Another word from my art history class - when you want to fancily and politely call someone a snob, try pahr-vuh-noo for a touch of elegance.
Back in the day, folks like William Morris tried to reclaim handmade techniques and manufacturing in the face of increasing industrialization. Unfortunately, the goods produced by Morris & Co could only be afforded by the wealthy. Writer Adolf Loos railed against the parvenu in one of his essays - those folks who had acquired some wealth or status in life, but didn't have the proper manners to fit their station. Basically, new money versus old money!
Back in the day, folks like William Morris tried to reclaim handmade techniques and manufacturing in the face of increasing industrialization. Unfortunately, the goods produced by Morris & Co could only be afforded by the wealthy. Writer Adolf Loos railed against the parvenu in one of his essays - those folks who had acquired some wealth or status in life, but didn't have the proper manners to fit their station. Basically, new money versus old money!