Understanding What It Means to Be an Upstart
An upstart refers to a person who has experienced a sudden rise in social rank or economic status, yet remains unaccepted by individuals in their newfound class. This discrepancy often stems from the upstart’s lack of social grace or adaptability to their new environment.
Interestingly, ‘Upstart’ is also the name of an innovative online money lending platform founded in 2012. This financial venture utilizes non-traditional credit variables such as education and employment status to offer personal loans, departing from conventional credit ratings. However, it’s essential to differentiate ‘upstart’ from ‘startup’—a startup represents a newly established business venture, often associated with innovation and growth.
Key Takeaways
- Sudden Ascent: An upstart is someone who rapidly rises to a new social or economic class but often lacks the etiquette and adaptability needed to seamlessly blend into their new environment.
- Social Rejection: The initial disconnect between the upstart and their new social group can lead to rejection, fueled by perceived arrogance or misunderstood norms.
- Workplace Implications: Newly promoted employees struggling to fit in at upper echelons may face issues, potentially leading to their job termination.
The Generic Meaning of Upstart
An upstart rockets up the social or economic ladder, sometimes due to an inheritance or a fortunate investment. This rapid rise often leads to an attitude of arrogance and presumptuousness, estranging them from their new social class. For instance, a sudden millionaire who flaunts their wealth without the necessary social refinement could be perceived negatively. This arrogance can generate further resentment and stubbornness as they continue to be ostracized.
Such behavior can spell disaster, especially in management positions. An upstart, now a leader, may struggle disastrously if they lack essential leadership skills while maintaining an inflated sense of superiority.
Upstarts in the Workplace
In a corporate setting, upstarts can disrupt the delicate balance of teamwork and harmony. As they gain status and finances, their inclination to self-correct diminishes, often leading to inflated self-worth and diminished teamwork. This dynamic can breed resentment amongst colleagues and supervisors alike.
Ultimately, an upstart’s dismissal becomes imminent if they fail to rectify their behavior and restore healthy workplace relationships, despite having the requisite technical skills to succeed.
Synonyms for Upstart
Comparable terms for upstart include arriviste, nouveau riche, parvenu, and social climber.
Origin of the Term
The term ‘upstart’ has roots in the Middle English period (1150—1500), first noted as a verb in 1303 in the works of poet and historian Robert Mannyng. It is an intrinsically derived term within English.
Upstart vs. Startup
A startup typically refers to an early-stage business venture, often funded through venture capital, angel investors, crowdfunding, loans, or even support from family and friends. In contrast, ‘upstart’ in a business context may denote a new company that’s operational without substantial external backing. However, it’s crucial to note the negative implications of ‘upstart’—suggesting an attempt to succeed without requisite experience and credibility—unlike ‘startup,’ which conveys innovation and growth potential.
Conclusion
In essence, an upstart in the workplace might be a newcomer, often young, who exhibits an inflated sense of importance or skill, resulting in workplace discord. Remember, ‘upstart’ is not synonymous with ‘startup,’ and confusing the two can lead to significant misunderstandings.
Related Terms: arriviste, nouveau riche, parvenu, social climber, startup.
References
- Upstart. “About Upstart”.
- vocabulary.com. “upstart”.
- Oxford English Dictionary. “upstart”.
- The Content Authority. “Upstart vs Startup: When To Use Each One? What To Consider”.
