If someone casually drops “summer is best in the Hamptons” or “my yacht needs a new anchor”, you might think they’re loaded.

But, don’t be fooled, these could be middle-class folks trying to sound wealthier than they actually are.

Welcome to the world of faux affluence—sure, it’s entertaining, even amusing, but it can also get a tad cringey.

Especially when you hear these 8 phrases middle-class people often use to up their financial status game.

Here’s a taste of how language can serve as a shiny new sports car.

A word of caution though—it might not always be reliable for telling the real wealth from the pretense.

1) “Our summer home…”

Ever been in a conversation where someone casually mentions their “summer home” in some exotic location? Yeah, it’s a classic.

Usually, it’s a harmless exaggeration but, sometimes, it can get more than a little cringey.

Especially when they start talking about their “routine trips” to this so-called summer home.

Here’s the thing: Having a second home is indeed a sign of wealth.

But when it’s flaunted in every conversation, it often screams “trying too hard.”

That’s what makes it so fun to spot—it’s like a game of hide and seek, except the person hiding is desperately trying to be found.

The next time someone drops the summer home line in casual conversation, remember to take it with a grain of salt.

After all, not everything that glitters is gold—or, in this case, a beachfront villa.

2) “We only fly first class…”

Okay, this one hits home for me: I remember one time, while catching up with an old friend over coffee, he suddenly dropped the line, “Oh, we only fly first class now.”

I nearly choked on my latte!

Now, don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with enjoying a bit of luxury when you travel—but the way it was casually thrown into conversation was a little too conspicuous.

It felt less like sharing and more like showing off.

What gave it away? Well, just a few months earlier, we were both complaining about the legroom in economy class.

Either he’d hit the jackpot or he was trying to sound wealthier than he really was.

It’s funny how a single line can reveal so much about our attempts at social climbing.

3) “I have [brand name], do you?”

Ever noticed how some people have a knack for sprinkling brand names into their conversations? It’s as if they’re speaking in a secret language, where Gucci, Prada, and Rolex are the key words.

While it’s true that high-end brands are synonymous with wealth, constantly name-dropping them can come off as an attempt to inflate one’s financial status.

Here’s the kicker: Flaunting flashy brands might not be as impressive as people think.

In fact, it often signals social insecurity rather than real status.

4) “It’s just a little something I picked up in…”

Ever had someone casually mention they picked up their outfit, or a trinket from a high-end store in Paris, London or Milan?

It’s as if they want you to believe they spend their weekends jetting off to the world’s fashion capitals.

Sure, international travel is a privilege and it can indeed be a sign of affluence.

However, when someone constantly refers to their overseas purchases, it often feels like a calculated ploy to sound wealthier than they are.

It’s almost as if the value of the item is enhanced by the journey it took to get into their hands.

True wealth isn’t about where you bought your clothes, it’s about how comfortably you live your life.

5) “I couldn’t possibly eat at…”

One of my personal favourites is when someone turns their nose up at a perfectly good dining option, saying something like, “I couldn’t possibly eat at that chain restaurant” or “I only dine at Michelin-starred establishments.”

I mean, sure, who wouldn’t enjoy a gourmet meal prepared by a world-class chef? But let’s be honest, not every meal needs to be an expensive culinary experience.

In my book, there’s nothing wrong with enjoying a burger from a popular fast-food chain or a pizza from your local joint.

Attempting to elevate one’s status by dismissing affordable dining options can often come across as pretentious.

Believe me, real wealth isn’t about where you eat, but the company you keep and the joy you derive from simple pleasures.

6) “It’s just pocket change…”

This one is a bit tricky: You might think that referring to large amounts of money as “pocket change” would be a surefire sign of wealth.

But, sometimes, it’s the exact opposite!

You see, when someone casually refers to a hefty bill as “just pocket change,” it may very well be an attempt to project a financial status they don’t actually possess.

The irony is, those who are truly wealthy often respect the value of money, no matter how small the amount.

They understand the hard work and smart decisions it took to accumulate their wealth.

When someone shrugs off a $200 dinner bill as “pocket change”, take it with a pinch of skepticism—it might just be a facade to appear wealthier than they really are.

7) “It’s not a big deal…”

Have you ever complimented someone on something nice they own, like a designer handbag or a luxury car, only to have them dismiss it as “not a big deal”?

Such reactions can be a subtle way of trying to appear wealthier.

By downplaying their possessions, they’re suggesting that these costly items are commonplace in their life, even when they’re not.

True wealth doesn’t require validation or dismissal—it simply is.

8) “I don’t need a budget…”

This is perhaps the most telling of all: When someone says they don’t need a budget, it’s often an attempt to make it seem like money is no object to them.

However, anyone who’s truly wealthy will tell you that managing wealth requires careful budgeting and financial planning.

It’s not about having endless money to spend, but about making wise decisions with what you have.

When you hear someone dismiss the idea of a budget, remember that real wealth isn’t about reckless spending, but about smart financial management.

Final thoughts

Ultimately, if you’ve been nodding along with this article, you’ll realize that trying to portray an image of wealth can often backfire.

The beauty of language is that it reveals as much as it conceals.

While someone may think they’re sounding wealthier with their choice of phrases, they might actually be revealing their insecurities or pretensions.

Remember the wise words of Benjamin Franklin: “Wealth is not his that has it, but his that enjoys it.”

True wealth isn’t about the brand names you wear, the places you travel to, or how casually you can spend money.

It’s about the contentment you find in your life and the value you place on your experiences.