What Does Upstart Mean in the Workplace?

What Is an Upstart?

An upstart is a person who has risen in social rank and/or economic status, but who has yet to be widely accepted by others in the newly found social and economic class.

"Upstart" is also the name of an online money lending platform founded in 2012 that provides personal loans using non-traditional credit variables, including education and employment status instead of standard credit ratings. The term "upstart" should also not be confused with a startup, which is a newly formed business venture.

Key Takeaways

• An upstart refers to a person who has had a sudden rise to a new class or status but lacks the social skills and grace appropriate to the position.
• There is an initial disconnect between the upstart and the social group they join, which can result in rejection due to apparent arrogance or misreading of etiquette norms.
• If a newly promoted employee cannot fit in with others at higher levels, it may lead to their dismissal.

Generic Meaning of Upstart

An upstart is a person who has suddenly risen in social rank or economic class. For example, an individual could go from rags to riches following an inheritance or lucky investment in the stock market. The upstart, who has quickly risen in economic status, has yet to learn the necessary social skills to be accepted by others in their new class. Instead of humbling themselves and seeking instruction or attempting to learn, the upstart becomes arrogant and presumptuous, which turns off associates in the new social class. If consistently rejected, the upstart may become increasingly stubborn and opinionated as they are spurned.

As in the case of a person who has suddenly become wealthy, the upstart may respond by acting superior to others. This change can be disastrous if the new position requires the upstart to manage or lead people, as they may lack the necessary skills while still having an inflated attitude about being a leader.

Meaning of Upstart in the Workplace

While an upstart can make for a bad manager, they can be an even worse employee. As an upstart gains money and position, they are less inclined to self-correct and work as a team player. They are more inclined to view their own work more positively than others, causing disharmony and bad feelings in the workplace. This can lead to resentment from the upstart’s manager and co-workers.

If the upstart is unable to correct and restore healthy working relationships, they will likely fail in the job, even with the necessary technical skills.

What Are Some Synonyms of Upstart?

Synonyms of upstart include arriviste, nouveau-riche, parvenu, and social climber.

Where Does the Term Upstart Come From?

What Is the Difference Between Startup and Upstart?

A startup can be seen as an entrepreneurial venture or company in the initial stages of business, funded by venture capital, angel investors, crowdfunding, loans, or even family and friends. The word "upstart" can have a similar meaning in this context, referring to a new company that is starting to run without significant external funding. However, "upstart" comes with a negative connotation, implying that the business is attempting to gain recognition or success without the proper experience and lacking credibility. In contrast, "startup" can be associated with innovation and potential for growth.

The Bottom Line

An upstart in the workplace denotes an individual, usually a young person, who has just started in a new position but behaves as if they are more important or skillful than other employees. The arrogant and dismissive attitude of an upstart can lead to disharmony and disgruntled employees. The term "upstart" should not be confused with "startup" (which has a positive connotation) or with the lending platform of the same name.