A pattern of behaviour, initially observed by Thorstein Veblen, that began in the nineteenth century as a result of increased incomes and leisure time along with the growth of marketing. “Wasted” consumption (that which exceeds what is strictly necessary for life) began to be used by members of different classes in a way that was “conspicuous”—obvious, noticeable, visible—in order to signal or symbolize social distinction.

Conspicuous consumption is a term used to describe the lavish spending on goods and services that are acquired mainly for the purpose of displaying income or wealth rather than to satisfy a utilitarian need of the consumer. In the mind of a conspicuous consumer, such display serves as a means of attaining or maintaining social status.