Yuppie Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on November 14, 2024 by Isabella Claire

You may have heard the term “yuppie” used in conversations and media. This reference explores the meaning, origin, and usage of “yuppie.” It includes key points to help you understand what this word represents and where it comes from. The background of “yuppie” gives insight into how it fits into various contexts today.

In addition to the definition, you’ll find related terms and practical examples. These can help you see how “yuppie” might be used in everyday language.

Yuppie Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • A young fashionable and a usually well-paid person is commonly known as being a ‘yuppie.’ Being a young adult in a good profession while living in a large city will often get you called ‘yuppie.’ You will find shows like ‘New Girl’ that first aired in 2011 feature key characters that would be considered ‘yuppies’ such as actor Max Greenfield’s character in ‘New Girl’ known as Schmidt.
Yuppie MeaningPin
Yuppie Meaning – Created by 7ESL

What Does Yuppie Mean?

Yuppie is a term that originated in the 1980s to describe a young, urban professional, typically in their 20s or 30s, who is career-driven, financially successful, and often associated with a materialistic lifestyle. Yuppies are often perceived as highly focused on their careers, status symbols (like luxury cars, designer clothes, and upscale living), and a desire to climb the social or corporate ladder.

The word yuppie is a blend of young urban professional (YUP). It originally referred to a demographic of young professionals living in cities, often with high-paying jobs in industries like finance, law, and tech.

Origin of Yuppie

Back in May of 1980 ‘yuppie’ was first published in a small Chicago magazine by writer/journalist Dan Rottenberg. Later in the year 2015, Dan released a statement saying he hadn’t invented the word but merely heard it frequently used in Chicago and knew it was the best fit for his article.

Usage of Yuppie

Here are some examples of how yuppie can be used in conversation or writing:

Describing a lifestyle:

  • “He’s living the classic yuppie life—working in finance, living in a high-rise, and dining at trendy restaurants every weekend.”

Referring to urban areas:

  • “That neighborhood is full of yuppies, with its luxury apartments and upscale coffee shops.”

Commenting on consumer habits:

  • “She’s a bit of a yuppie, always buying the latest gadgets and designer clothes.”

Talking about career focus:

  • “My brother turned into a yuppie after college; he’s all about his job and networking events.”

Using humor or irony:

  • “I feel like such a yuppie grabbing an expensive latte on my way to the office.”

Related Terms to Yuppie

  • Hipster – Refers to a young person, typically urban and counter-culture, who embraces alternative fashion, music, and lifestyles, often with a focus on individuality and authenticity.
  • DINK (Dual Income, No Kids) – Describes a couple with two incomes and no children, often associated with higher disposable income and spending on luxury or leisure.
  • Millennial – Refers to people born between the early 1980s and mid-1990s or early 2000s. Though broad, this term sometimes suggests tech-savvy, career-focused, or experience-oriented young adults.
  • Bobo (Bourgeois Bohemian) – A blend of bourgeois and bohemian, describing someone who combines a high-income lifestyle with bohemian values like creativity, environmentalism, and community focus.
  • Gentrifier – Refers to someone (often a young professional) who moves into and revitalizes urban neighborhoods, sometimes leading to rising property values and the displacement of long-term residents.
  • Young Professional – A neutral term for someone early in their career, often working in corporate or white-collar jobs.
  • Preppy – Describes someone with a polished, affluent style often associated with traditional clothing brands, private schooling, and conservative career paths.
  • Suit – Informal slang for a corporate professional, especially in finance, law, or business. It sometimes implies conformity or lack of creativity.
  • Jet Setter – Refers to someone with a lifestyle focused on frequent travel, often associated with wealth and a desire for luxury experiences.
  • Foodie – Describes someone with a strong interest in food, often seeking out unique dining experiences or high-quality cuisine.

Examples of Yuppie

All the ways you will find this online slang term in use.

Example 1

  • Girl: Did you hear about Lance?
  • Guy: No, what’s up?
  • Girl: He got that job in marketing.
  • Guy: He is officially a yuppie.
  • Girl: Yeah, just like he wanted.

Here you have a simple conversation between a guy and girl about a mutual friend who took a high paying job and became a ‘yuppie’ as he had always wanted.

Example 2

  • Company Forum Post: Young David Hemming is now partner with us here at Slayer Law Firm.
  • Forum User 1: OMG, I really dislike posts like this.
  • Forum User 2: I know, I heard he only got the job because of his father.
  • Forum User 3: Born with a silver spoon in his mouth.
  • Forum User 1: Yeah, now he doesn’t only have the money, he has the job.
  • Forum User 2: What a yuppie.

While watching the company’s website a small group that were all trying for the same position of partner get irritated and annoyed, when their college gets it instead of them, calling him a yuppie because he seems to have it all at such a youthful age.

  • omg – Oh My God or Oh My Gosh

Example 3

  • Texter 1: Hey look at this photo (Picture of a guy in a really nice suit, yet a trashy apartment around him,)
  • Texter 1: What do you think?
  • Texter 2: WOW!
  • Texter 1: Wow good or wow bad?
  • Texter 2: You would never know you couldn’t afford to pay your bills.
  • Texter 2: That suit makes you look like a yuppie. lol
  • Texter 1: But hey I’m gonna nail this job interview!

Here we have a conversation between friends and one gets told he looks like a yuppie, even though he clearly isn’t one.

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