flashy consumption

[FLASH-ee kuhn-SUM-shuhn]
noun
consumo ostentoso
1. the act of buying and displaying expensive or luxury items in a showy manner to impress others or demonstrate wealth and status
His flashy consumption of luxury cars and designer clothes was a clear sign of his newfound wealth.
Seu consumo ostentoso de carros de luxo e roupas de grife era um sinal claro de sua riqueza recém-adquirida.
2. conspicuous spending characterized by visible luxury purchases intended to signal affluence
The influencer's flashy consumption of branded products influenced her followers to overspend.
O consumo ostentoso de produtos de marca pela influenciadora influenciou seus seguidores a gastarem demais.
This concept is widely discussed in Brazilian social and economic commentary, particularly regarding income inequality and the aspirational consumer culture influenced by celebrity and social media. In the USA, it relates to concepts of the American Dream and status consumption. The term gained prominence in sociology through Thorstein Veblen's theory of conspicuous consumption.
NYC Slang
ballin' out / stuntin' / flexing
Synonyms / Sinônimos
conspicuous consumptionostentatious spendinglavish expenditureshowy spendingextravagant consumption
Antonyms / Antônimos
frugal spendingmodest consumptionhumble livingrestraintausterity

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
consumo ostentoso
Standard term used across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
consumo de luxo exibicionista
Common in urban contexts discussing social status
São Paulo
consumismo ostentador
Used in business and marketing contexts
Portugal
consumo vistoso
European Portuguese preference; slightly more formal

Related Words

status symbolmaterialismwealth displayluxury goodssocial climbingconspicuousness

Related Idioms & Phrases

keeping up with the Joneses
throwing money around
living large
putting on airs
money to burn
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