What does “Yuppie” mean?
The slang phrase "Yuppie" refers to a "young urban professional" or a "white-collar worker". It is used to describe individuals who are typically young, well-educated, and employed in professional careers such as finance, consulting, or technology. Yuppies are often associated with a fast-paced urban lifestyle, fancy attire, trendy coffee shops, and a focus on career advancement.
How is the expression used in real life?
Example
The city is full of yuppies who work in finance.
Example
She's a successful yuppie with a high-paying job.
Example
Most of the people in this neighborhood are yuppies.
What context can I use each expression in?
- 1Describing a specific group of professionals
The city is full of yuppies who work in finance.
She's a successful yuppie with a high-paying job.
- 2Referring to a neighborhood or community
Most of the people in this neighborhood are yuppies.
The area has become popular among yuppies due to its proximity to downtown.
- 3Discussing the characteristics or lifestyle of young urban professionals
Yuppies are often associated with a focus on career success and materialism.
The term yuppie is sometimes used in a derogatory manner to criticize perceived shallow values.
Good things to know:
What is the origin of the phrase?
The term "yuppie" originated in the United States in the 1980s. It is a blend of the words 'young,' 'urban,' and 'professional.' It gained popularity during this time as a way to describe a specific demographic of young professionals who were often associated with materialism and a focus on career success.
Can the phrase be used on its own?
The term "yuppie" is typically used within a sentence to describe a specific group of people. It is not commonly used on its own.
Is the phrase offensive?
The term "yuppie" is not offensive in itself. It is a slang term used to describe young urban professionals or white-collar workers.
Audience for the phrase
The term "yuppie" is commonly used by people familiar with the concept of young urban professionals or white-collar workers. It is often used in discussions about urban lifestyles, career success, and materialism. The audience for this term is typically adults, particularly those who are part of the professional workforce.
Is the phrase specific to an accent or country?
The term "yuppie" originated in the United States and is primarily used in American English. It is most commonly associated with urban areas and is often used in discussions about cities and their demographics. While it may be understood in other English-speaking regions, its usage and familiarity may vary outside of the United States.