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un arriviste
/a.ʁi.vist/
social climber
Il a réussi grâce à son talent, pas comme un arriviste qui flatte son patron.
He succeeded because of his talent, unlike a social climber who flatters his boss.
informal
A person who seeks social advancement or success through unprincipled or opportunistic means, often by flattering or manipulating others.
Dans cette entreprise, les arrivistes gravitent autour du directeur pour obtenir des promotions.
In this company, social climbers hover around the director to get promotions.
Often implies a lack of genuine merit or integrity.
Collocations
un pur arrivistea pure social climbermépriser les arrivistesto despise social climbers
Synonyms
Antonyms
Pro Tip
Avoiding confusion with 'arrivisme'
'Arrivisme' is the abstract noun form (social climbing), while 'un arriviste' is the person doing it. For example: 'Son arrivisme est insupportable' (His social climbing is unbearable).
Word Origin
From 'arriver' (to arrive) + '-iste' (suffix indicating a person). Originally referred to someone who 'arrives' in a social position through opportunism rather than merit.
Usage Notes
The term carries a negative connotation, suggesting deceit or lack of integrity. It is often used in social or professional contexts to criticize someone's motives.
Word Breakdown
arriver
to arrive (socially or in a position)
verb-iste
suffix indicating a person
suffixDictionnaire Français-Anglais