affluenza

American  

[af-loo-en-zuh] / ˌæf luˈɛn zə /

noun

1. the negative psychological or behavioral effects of having or pursuing wealth, as irresponsible acts and feelings of self-doubt or guilt.

2. excessive materialism or desire for wealth, associated with negative effects.

   workaholics afflicted with affluenza.

---

affluenza British  

/ ˌæflʊˈɛnzə /

noun

1. Also called: sudden-wealth syndrome.  the guilt or lack of motivation experienced by people who have made or inherited large amounts of money

---

Etymology

Origin of affluenza

1970–75; blend of affluence ( def. ) and influenza ( def. )

Example Sentences

“Monsters” is, among other things, a wicked parody of affluenza.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 27, 2024

John de Graaf and his co-authors explain in Affluenza: The All-Consuming Epidemic, “It’s as if we Americans, despite our intentions, suffer from some kind of Willpower Deficiency Syndrome, a breakdown in affluenza immunity.”

From Slate • May 5, 2016

The sentence sparked outrage from critics who ridiculed the affluenza defense and said his family's wealth helped the teen stay out of jail.

From Reuters • Apr. 12, 2016

The "affluenza" teenager from Texas who fled to Mexico, Ethan Couch, dropped his effort to stop extradition and will return home to face criminal charges for violating his probation.

From Washington Post • Jan. 27, 2016

The latest argument, Schulte said, could be "some extension of affluenza, that he can't make decisions on his own and any time mommy says to do something he does it."

From US News • Jan. 19, 2016