upper crust

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See also: upper-crust

English

Etymology

First known use as an idiom: 1836.[1]

Pronunciation

Noun

upper crust (plural upper crusts)

  1. (idiomatic, usually with the) The social elite, the highest social class.
    Synonyms: upper class, the quality
    • 1894, Mark Twain, “A Little Note to M. Paul Bourget”, in Essays on Paul Bourget:
      I judged from your remark about the diligence and industry of the high Parisian upper crust that it would have some point.
    • 2006 June 18, J. F. O. McAllister, “A New Kind of Elite”, in Time:
      Some accents reveal the distinctive bray of the upper crust, but most are generic middle class.
  2. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see upper,‎ crust. The topmost layer of a bread, pastry dish, or other item with a hardened coating.

Derived terms

Adjective

upper crust (comparative more upper crust, superlative most upper crust)

  1. Alternative form of upper-crust

References

  1. ^ upper crust”, in Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster, 1996–present.