petite bourgeoisie

American  

[puh-teet boor-zhwah-zee, puh-teet boor-zhwa-zee] / pəˈtit ˌbʊər ʒwɑˈzi, pə tit bur ʒwaˈzi /

noun

1. the portion of the bourgeoisie having the least wealth and lowest social status; the lower middle class.

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Etymology

Origin of petite bourgeoisie

Borrowed into English from French around 1915–20

Example Sentences

Now, he seems to be trying to ensure those "petite bourgeoisie" stay in their place, J.R.

From Reuters • May 27, 2023

And the director Marcelo Martinessi, who says he was inspired by the romance between Paraguay’s petite bourgeoisie and authoritarian regimes, captured the Alfred Bauer Prize for a feature “that opens new perspectives.”

From New York Times • Jan. 11, 2019

Each mobilized men and women from a broad spectrum of the population but had particular attraction for the petite bourgeoisie.

From Slate • Mar. 20, 2017

He speaks directly to the petite bourgeoisie in American life: managers, public employees, small-business owners.

From Slate • Nov. 25, 2015

Below these are the petite bourgeoisie, who are mostly shopkeepers, clerks, and people in various employments.

From Peeps At Many Lands: Belgium by Forestier, Amédée