French word of the day: Huppe
Briefly

The article explains the term 'huppé', pronounced 'oo-pay', which signifies someone who is posh, wealthy, and from a high social class. Although it originated from a descriptor of a bird, its contemporary application relates to higher societal standings. The term can also describe places or things, such as fancy restaurants or affluent neighborhoods. Synonyms like 'cossu' and 'aisé' further expand its context, while 'le gratin' serves as a casual reference to the upper crust of society in France. In context, 'huppé' conveys a broader cultural significance beyond mere financial wealth.
Huppé can refer to a bird with a crown of feathers, but more commonly means 'posh' or 'well-to-do', emphasizing social class rather than just wealth.
French dictionary Larousse defines huppé as someone who is not only rich but also comes from a high social class, indicating a deeper level of social status.
In common usage, huppé describes expensive things or places; for example, you might say 'un restaurant huppé' for a fancy restaurant.
More casual terminology for the upper class in France includes 'le gratin', referring to the elite in a way reminiscent of gourmet cuisine.
Read at The Local France
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