The term "conspicuous consumers" refers to individuals who publicly display their wealth and status through their consumption habits. The word "conspicuous" is pronounced /kənˈspɪkjʊəs/ with the stress on the second syllable. The spelling of "conspicuous" follows the phonetic rules of English, with the "s" sound represented by the letters "s" and "c" before the vowels "e" and "i". The term "consumers" is pronounced /kənˈsjuːməz/ with the stress on the second syllable, and similarly follows English phonetic spelling rules.
Conspicuous consumers are individuals who engage in ostentatious and extravagant spending habits, primarily in order to display their wealth, status, and social standing to others. This behavior is often characterized by the purchase and consumption of luxury goods and services, with the intention of flaunting affluence and conspicuous consumption.
The term "conspicuous consumer" originated from the sociologist and economist Thorstein Veblen's concept of "conspicuous consumption" in his book "The Theory of the Leisure Class" (1899). It refers to the phenomenon of individuals conspicuously displaying their economic power and social status through their lavish spending.
These consumers prioritize the symbolic value of a product or service over its actual utility or functionality. In other words, the focus is on the status that certain items or brands bestow upon the individual rather than the practical benefits they offer. By acquiring and displaying luxury goods such as high-end fashion, expensive cars, or luxurious properties, conspicuous consumers aim to set themselves apart from others and gain recognition and admiration from their peers.
Conspicuous consumption is often associated with social comparison and the desire to outdo others in terms of material possessions. It serves as a means to distinguish oneself as part of an exclusive elite or upper-class group. However, it is important to note that conspicuous consumption is a social construct influenced by cultural and societal values, and its significance may vary across different societies and time periods.
The term "conspicuous consumers" is a combination of two words: "conspicuous" and "consumers".
The word "conspicuous" comes from the Latin word "conspicuus", meaning "noticeable" or "observable". It entered the English language in the early 17th century.
The word "consumer" comes from the Latin word "consumere", which means "to destroy" or "to use up". In its current usage, "consumer" refers to a person who purchases and uses goods or services. This term has been used in English since the late 14th century.
The phrase "conspicuous consumers" was popularized by the sociologist and economist Thorstein Veblen in his influential book "The Theory of the Leisure Class" published in 1899.