Pronunciation: [ɐɹɪvˈiːst] (IPA) 
Arriviste is a French loanword that refers to a social climber or someone who is newly wealthy and seeks status. The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /ˈæɹɪviːst/. The spelling of the word follows English orthography rules, with the addition of the French usage of "-iste" as a suffix, meaning a person of a certain profession or belief. The stress is on the second syllable, making the pronunciation "a-REE-veest".
Arriviste, pronounced uh-ra-veest, is a noun that refers to a person who has recently gained wealth or social status, especially through questionable means, and is regarded as lacking the refinement or proper social background that is associated with their newfound position. The term is derived from the French word "arriver," meaning "to arrive," and has a negative connotation implying the individual's lack of genuine achievement or merit.
An arriviste is often seen as an ambitious opportunist, striving to achieve a higher socioeconomic status by any means necessary, regardless of moral consequences. Such individuals are often criticized for their lack of cultural or intellectual depth, as their focus is primarily on gaining power, influence, or recognition rather than on personal growth or contribution to society.
The term can be used to describe anyone who is perceived as pretentious, vain, or lacking the refined qualities typically associated with a certain social class or position. Arrivistes are often viewed with suspicion or disdain by those who perceive them as trying too hard to fit into a social circle or group that they do not naturally belong to.
In summary, an arriviste is a person who has recently acquired wealth or social status but is seen as lacking the refinement, authenticity, or moral integrity associated with their newfound position. The term carries a negative connotation and implies a sense of shallowness or pretentiousness.
The word "arriviste" originates from the French language. It is derived from the verb "arriver", which means "to arrive" in French. The suffix "-iste" in French is used to indicate a person or follower of a particular doctrine, idea, or movement. Thus, an "arriviste" refers to someone focused on achieving success or social advancement, particularly in a materialistic or self-centered manner. This term gained popularity in the late 19th century and has been widely adopted in English to describe such individuals.
