social climber

social climber (plural social climbers)

1. (derogatory) One who tries to improve his or her social standing, especially by means of obsequious behaviour.

   Coordinate terms: arriviste, careerist, nouveau riche, parvenu

   • 2012, Tonya Hurley, The Blessed, Simon and Schuster, →ISBN, page 79:

     “Are you accusing me of social climbing!” she fumed, getting right in his face. “You are a social climber, my darling.” “They only call you a social climber if you're not good at it,” Lucy said, starting for the front door, checking her phone for what would be the last time as she exited.