Become rich in a very short period of time

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What¡¦s the slang describing people become rich overnight? Either neutrally, positively (sour-grape) or derogatorily ---from rag to riches overnight?ThanksMike

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[nq:1]What¡¦s the slang describing people become rich overnight? Either neutrally, positively (sour-grape) or derogatorily ---from rag to riches overnight?[/nq]
It's not what you are looking for, but I will throw into the mix the old expression: "From clogs to clogs in three generations". (Implying that they made a bit of money, but then lost it, probably through drink).

Not slang, but in brainstorm mode: nouveau riche; new money.

And in cynical mode: a description of people (in the UK at least) who become rich overnight would be leaders of failing large companies who are given the boot by their shareholders or board.

-- (Email Removed)

Usenet · Answer

[nq:1]What¡¦s the slang describing people become rich overnight? Either neutrally, positively (sour-grape) or derogatorily ---from rag to riches overnight? Thanks Mike[/nq]
"Nouveau riche" is sort of neutral.

"Parvenu" is a little more derogatory.

"Beverly Hillbillies" is downright nasty.

-- Chris Green

Usenet · Answer

[nq:1]The commonest phrase is nouveau riche which is not slang but French. This usage in English is derogatory not on ... is not speed (in becoming wealthy) but change: newly rich people contravene the assumption that the social order never changes.[/nq]
You surprise me. This sort of change - social mobility - has always been an established part of British culture and was often remarked upon (often with disapproval) by visitors from mainland Europe. Even now Britain is more socially mobile than America and most mainland European countries (but not Australia). I doubt that many nobs assume otherwise. The evidence is all around them, not least in their own family histories.

No, in my experience the words 'nouveau riche' are only dusted off when new money flaunts itself in a way that is thought (by both no money and old money alike) to be incompatible with the possession of great wealth. So in my experience the nuance is not change but speed, and more than either of those it is vulgarity. The nouveaus have acquired their wealth so quickly that they haven't had time to absorb the manners and sensibilities, the innumerable petty rules and customs, that are supposed to accompany it. They'll probably get there in the end, even if it takes a generation or two. But in the meantime they are vulgar, they are nouveaux riches.

-- Mickwick,

parvenu on the slide

Usenet · Answer

[nq:1]What¡¦s the slang describing people become rich overnight? Either neutrally, positively (sour-grape) or derogatorily ---from rag to riches overnight? Thanks Mike[/nq]
"Nouveau riche" is sort of neutral.

"Parvenu" is a little more derogatory.

"Beverly Hillbillies" is downright nasty.

-- Chris Green

Usenet · Answer

[nq:2]What¡¦s the slang describing people become rich overnight? Either neutrally, positively (sour-grape) or derogatorily ---from rag to riches overnight?[/nq]
[nq:1]"Nouveau riche" is sort of neutral. "Parvenu" is a little more derogatory.[/nq]
And let's not forget "arriviste". The fact that these are all French terms contributes to their sarcastic connotation of ostentatious la-di-da-ness. One book relates these terms (along with "millionaire") to the replicas of French châteaux constructed by the "New Men" of Victorian/Edwardian England:

http://www.users.dircon.co.uk/~litrev/reviews/1999/05/nouveaux.html

Become rich in a very short period of time

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