conspicuous consumption
noun
public enjoyment of possessions that are known to be costly so that one's ability to pay for such things is flaunted.
Origin of conspicuous consumption
used by Thorstein Veblen in
The Theory of the Leisure Class (1899)
Words nearby conspicuous consumption
conspectus,
consperg.,
conspicuity tape,
conspicuous,
conspicuous by its absence,
conspicuous consumption,
conspiracist,
conspiracy,
conspiracy of silence,
conspiracy theory,
conspiration
British Dictionary definitions for conspicuous consumption
conspicuous consumption
noun
spending in a lavish or ostentatious way, esp to impress others with one's wealth
Cultural definitions for conspicuous consumption
conspicuous consumption
Buying unnecessary and expensive products and services as a way to show off wealth. The term was coined by U.S. economist Thorstein Veblen in The Theory of the Leisure Class.