adjective / noun
bourgeois
bur-ZHWAH/bʊrʒwˈɑ/
Belonging to the middle class, often with conventional, materialistic values.
The bourgeois couple proudly shows a visitor their new television.
Etymology
The earlier “town dweller” sense distinguished townspeople from peasants. The word extended to tradespeople and citizens of middle rank, then to manners and tastes regarded as conventionally middle-class.
In context
The middle class and middle-class values, bourgeois nationalism and capitalism, the professionals, the intelligentsia and the upper class were dealt the sharpest rebuff.
More examples
- She grows up in a comfortable bourgeois household.
- He mocks their bourgeois obsession with expensive furniture.
- She calls him a bourgeois for valuing comfort over adventure.
Forms
bourgeois
bourgeoisie noun — The middle class considered as a group.
Similar words
- middle-class
- Identifies social position without necessarily criticizing values or tastes.
- conventional
- Emphasizes accepted customs rather than social class or possessions.
- materialistic
- Emphasizes possessions and wealth rather than middle-class social standing.