upstart

UK[ˈʌpstɑːt]US[ˈʌpstɑːrt]

a person who has suddenly risen to a higher social or economic class but is not accepted by those already belonging to that class, especially one who behaves in a presumptuous or arrogant way.

adj

characteristic of or behaving like an upstart; newly and suddenly risen to wealth or power.

Morpheme Breakdown

start

upward, aloft

start

to leap up, jump, move suddenly

Etymology

the word 'upstart' is a transparent compound formed from two native english elements. the first element, 'up', carries its fundamental directional sense of upward movement or position. the second element, 'start', originates from the old english 'styrtan', meaning to leap, jump, or move suddenly. the literal, physical sense of 'jumping up' was metaphorically applied to a person who rises suddenly in social rank or fortune, often without the traditional lineage or gradual advancement. this metaphorical leap implied a disruptive, abrupt, and often unwelcome intrusion into a higher social sphere, which explains the term's enduring pejorative connotation of presumptuousness and lack of breeding.

Analysis

Structure: up + start up (old english, adverb/particle meaning 'upward, aloft'); start (old english, verb meaning 'to leap up, jump, move suddenly')

Examples

the established executives viewed the young, successful tech founder as a brash upstart.

his upstart attitude offended many of the older, more experienced members of the club.

the company was once an industry upstart, but it is now a dominant market leader.