UPPER TEN Meaning and
Definition
-
The term "upper ten" refers to a social class or group of individuals who belong to the highest echelons of society in terms of wealth, influence, and social status. It originated during the nineteenth century and is derived from the idea of a hierarchical "top ten" ranking or uppermost tier of privileged individuals in society.
These "upper ten" individuals often possess significant wealth, exercise great power or influence, and enjoy a luxurious lifestyle. They are commonly associated with the elite members of upper class society who have accumulated substantial fortunes through inheritance, business ventures, or prestigious careers. As such, the upper ten are typically known for their opulent homes, exclusive clubs, and access to high-class amenities.
Being part of the upper ten is often viewed as a mark of prestige and social standing, reflecting a person's high level of affluence and esteemed position within society. This term can be applied to any society with a notable class divide, although it is most commonly associated with historical periods characterized by extreme wealth disparity and class divisions.
In contemporary contexts, while the phrase "upper ten" might not be commonly used, variations like "top one percent" or "super-rich" represent modern-day equivalents. These terms continue to describe the elite who hold significant wealth and influence, often influencing societal trends, politics, and economic decisions.
Common Misspellings for UPPER TEN
- ypper ten
- hpper ten
- jpper ten
- ipper ten
- 8pper ten
- 7pper ten
- uoper ten
- ulper ten
- u-per ten
- u0per ten
- upoer ten
- upler ten
- up-er ten
- up0er ten
- uppwr ten
- uppsr ten
- uppdr ten
- upprr ten
- upp4r ten
- upp3r ten
Etymology of UPPER TEN
The term upper ten originally comes from the social class system of the United States in the early 19th century. It refers to the wealthiest or most privileged individuals within society. The word upper denotes the elevated or higher status, while ten represents the idea of the top or the highest number.
The specific etymology of the term upper ten is not clear, but it is believed to have originated in American English around the 1830s. It was likely derived from the earlier phrase upper crust, which referred to the top layer of bread or pastry, symbolizing the upper class.
The term upper ten was widely used in the United States during the 19th century but has since fallen out of common usage. It eventually evolved into other expressions, such as upper class or simply the elite.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
