Slang Terms for the Wealthy: Blue Bloods and Old Money

The terms used to describe the wealthy and those of noble lineage in various cultures and contexts can be quite varied. From blue blood to legacy wealth, there are many colloquialisms and phrases that shed light on the cultural significance of wealth and status.

The Codification of Wealth and Status

Some of the most common and historically rooted terms include blue bloods, established wealth, old guard, patricians, high society, and legacy wealth. Each of these terms has its own connotations, reflecting the diverse ways in which different societies acknowledge and categorize wealth.

Blue Bloods and Established Wealth

Blue blood is a term that refers to families of noble or aristocratic descent, emphasizing a lineage that stretches back generations. Slightly less formal, old money refers to wealth that has been accumulated over many years, often in historical contexts, as opposed to wealth amassed more recently.

The Patricians and High Society

Patricians are a term commonly used to describe members of the upper class, particularly in historical contexts. High society refers to the wealthy social elite, often associated with traditional values and often reinforced by social rituals and rites of passage.

A Legacy of Wealth

Liquid assets and trust fund babies are terms used to describe individuals who have inherited wealth. In this context, liquid assets refers to readily accessible financial resources, while trust fund babies are a humorous reference to those who live off inherited wealth, often implying a lack of ambition or independence.

Social Hierarchy and Slang Terminology

In addition to the aforementioned terms, the specific era, cultural context, and social movements have also contributed to the evolution of slang terms. Terms like algie, upper ten, upper crust, and plutocrat reflect the social hierarchy and the ways in which the wealthy have been portrayed in popular culture and literature.

Aristocrats and Social Elite

A brief look at the list of terms used to refer to aristocrats and the social elite includes:

Algie – Refers to any young male aristocrat, particularly from the late 19th century to the 1930s. Fifth Avenue – Used to describe the wealthy and elite residents of New York City in the mid to late 19th century. Knickerboker – A term used to describe a socially conservative and rigid individual, often from the upper class. Plutocrat – Refers to a wealthy and powerful individual who has significant influence over society.

Legacy Weights and Residual Wealth

Terms like legacy and trust fund babies are often used to emphasize the continuity and longevity of wealth. These terms imply that the wealth in question has been passed down through generations and is not newly acquired.

Challenges and Changes in Perception

However, with the changing times and the rise of the nouveaux riches, contemporary slang tends to focus more on the new and recently wealthy rather than the old money associated with aristocrats and social elites. This shift in perspective often reflects broader social and economic changes.