How Do You Spell PETIT-BOURGEOIS?

Pronunciation: [pətˈiːbˈʊ͡əʒwɑː] (IPA)

The word "petit-bourgeois" refers to someone of the lower-middle class. The spelling of this word is explained by its IPA phonetic transcription, which is /pəti ˈbʊrʒwɑː/. This means that the first syllable is pronounced "puh-tee" with a schwa sound, while the second syllable is pronounced "burzh-wah" with the "w" sound being pronounced as "v". The hyphenation of this word is important as it separates the French derivative "petit" meaning small and the French word "bourgeois" meaning middle class, making it easier to understand its common usage in English.

PETIT-BOURGEOIS Meaning and Definition

  1. The term "petit-bourgeois" refers to a social class or behavior that is associated with the lower-middle or middle class. Originating from the French language, the word is composed of "petit," meaning small or little, and "bourgeois," which denotes the bourgeoisie or the middle class.

    In its dictionary definition, "petit-bourgeois" typically describes people, attitudes, or actions that reflect the values and characteristics of the middle class. This can include a desire for conventional lifestyles, conformity to societal norms, and an emphasis on material possessions. Petit-bourgeois individuals are often focused on maintaining a comfortable and secure lifestyle, often aspiring to upper-middle-class status.

    The term can also be used metaphorically to describe someone who is perceived as having narrow-minded or conservative views. It implies a lack of sophistication or critical thinking, as petit-bourgeois attitudes are often associated with conformity to tradition and resistance to change.

    In broader contexts, "petit-bourgeois" can be used to critique the values of consumerism and the pursuit of material wealth at the expense of social justice or intellectual growth. It can be seen as a term that critiques the superficiality and shallowness often associated with middle-class aspirations, or a call for greater social awareness and a commitment to progressive ideals.

Common Misspellings for PETIT-BOURGEOIS

  • petit bourgeous
  • petit bourgeoise
  • petit burgeois
  • petitpbourgeois
  • petit0-bourgeois
  • petit-0bourgeois
  • petitp-bourgeois
  • petit-pbourgeois
  • petit--bourgeois
  • petitmbourgeois
  • petit-bourgious
  • petit-bourjois
  • petit-burgeoise
  • petit-bourgios
  • peti-bourgeous
  • peti-bourgeoise
  • peti-burgeois

Etymology of PETIT-BOURGEOIS

The word "petit-bourgeois" comes from French, with "petit" meaning "small" or "little" and "bourgeois" referring to the middle class or bourgeoisie.

Etymologically, "bourgeois" has its roots in the Latin "burgus", meaning "town" or "fortress". In Medieval Latin, the word "burgensis" denoted "a citizen of a borough or town". Over time, it expanded to refer to the emerging urban middle class, characterized by their ownership of property, involvement in trade, and relatively comfortable living standards.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, as industrialization and capitalism transformed societies, the term "bourgeoisie" encompassed the rising middle class. However, the word "petit" was often added as a modifier to refer to the lower or lesser bourgeoisie, distinguishing them from the wealthier upper bourgeoisie.