15 Things Scream “I’m Pretending to be Upper Class”

Projecting an image of wealth, sophistication, and social status is a goal that some people want to achieve, even if it means pretending to be part of the upper class. However, some behaviors and characteristics can give away the pretentiousness of such individuals. Here are 15 things scream: “I’m pretending to be upper class”!

Constant Name-Dropping

People who constantly name-drop famous or influential individuals in conversation might be trying to appear more important or well-connected than they really are. Whether it is mentioning celebrities they have met, high-profile business leaders they know, or politicians they have spoken to, this behavior can be off-putting and seem disingenuous to those around them.

Ostentatious Display of Wealth

Flaunting designer clothes, luxury cars, or expensive jewelry can send the message that a person is trying too hard to prove their social status. While some people in the upper class do wear expensive clothing or drive fancy cars, it is not usually done in an ostentatious or showy way. Instead, it is usually more understated and elegant.

Using Pretentious Language

People who use overly complex or flowery language might be trying to impress others with their intelligence or sophistication. However, this type of language can often be seen as pretentious and unnatural and can make others feel uncomfortable or annoyed. It’s best to just be yourself instead of pretending to be someone you’re not.

Excessive Bragging

Constantly bringing up your accomplishments, possessions, or connections to people can signal a lack of humility and be seen as arrogant or obnoxious. While being proud of your achievements is good, constantly bragging can create a negative impression and push others away.

Over-the-Top Social Media Posts

Posting staged or exaggerated photos of expensive vacations, exclusive events, or glamorous lifestyle experiences can come across as inauthentic and artificial. It can also be quite transparent that someone is trying to make it appear like they are living an upper-class lifestyle when they’re probably not.

Ignoring Social Etiquette

People in the upper class tend to hold themselves to higher social standards than the average person, which includes observing proper etiquette and behavior. Those who ignore social norms or make obvious faux pas may reveal their lack of knowledge or experience in high society circles.

Imitating Speech Patterns

Adopting a fake accent or overcompensating when it comes to one’s speech patterns can be seen as inauthentic and can work against someone trying to appear upper class. Remember, speaking naturally and genuinely will likely make a stronger impression than false or exaggerated mannerisms.

Attempting to Gatekeep

Trying to exclude other people from social circles or events based on perceived class status is inappropriate and likely to make people uncomfortable. People who engage in this type of behavior are often anxious to hold on to their perceived power and status.

Constantly Talking About Exclusive Locations

Mentioning private clubs, upscale restaurants, or exclusive vacation destinations can be viewed as a way to signal one’s taste and class status. However, unless someone actually has experience with these places, it is very difficult to fake familiarity without appearing disingenuous or clueless.

Faking Cultural Knowledge

Trying to impress people with knowledge of high-brow art, literature, or music when they don’t have genuine interest or understanding can be seen as fake and pretentious. While it is natural to be curious about high culture, trying too hard to appear knowledgeable can lead to the opposite impression.

Humblebragging

Bragging while pretending to be humble or modest can be a transparent way to draw attention to your accomplishments or possessions. However, instead of being impressed, many people find this type of behavior insincere and irritating. For example, someone might say, “I can’t believe I got an A on that test; I didn’t even study,” to make others feel compelled to tell them how smart they are.

Forced Elegance

Actively trying to maintain a façade of elegance or sophistication, even when it’s not natural or authentic, is likely to seem forced and artificial. It’s far better to simply be genuine and authentic, even if that means appearing less polished or sophisticated.

Insincere Generosity

Publicly displaying a charitable spirit or philanthropic behavior can be a way to gain social approval. However, unless the giving is genuinely inspired and comes from a place of compassion, it can come across as inauthentic and can cause resentment from others

Snobbish Behavior

Looking down on others or treating others poorly based on their perceived social status, wealth, or background is contrary to the values of the upper class. People in upper-class circles tend to be respectful, gracious, and kind to all people regardless of their status or heritage.

Excessive Networking

Focusing exclusively on networking with affluent, influential individuals to gain social prestige or glean insider knowledge can be seen as insincere and opportunistic. People who prioritize authentic relationships based on shared interests and genuine connections are likely to achieve far more significant and lasting connections than those who are just focused on social climbing.