Conspicuous consumption

Conspicuous consumption of valuable goods is a means of reputability to the gentleman of leisure.

"Conspicuous consumption" is a proof of economic success.

Professional humanists . . . resent Veblen's saying that knowing an ancient language is conspicuous consumption and conspicuous waste, like growing your fingernails long and painting them, or keeping a Pekingese.

As a society becomes richer, those whose incomes do not grow spend more on conspicuous consumption in an attempt to keep up.