Wednesday, April 24, 2013

The Letter U

U is for Uppity


Dictionary 
1. Affecting an attitude of inflated self-esteem; haughty; snobbish.
2. Rebelliously self-assertive; not inclined to be tractable or deferential.

American Heritage Dictionary
Taking liberties or assuming airs beyond one's station; presumptuous

WordNet 
Presumptuously arrogant

 
 
3 meanings all giving pretty much the same definition and I’m sure everyone has met or has some uppity people in their lives. My last job certainly had a few uppity people that made themselves the center of the entire universe. One person even went so far as to tell me during some heated words that if it wasn’t for her every one including myself would be out the door. She had a very uppity air about her and made it seem like others were beneath her. Most people just tolerated her while others, like myself found it damn near impossible to work with her. There were a few who decided to jump on the uppity band wagon and when push came to shove they didn’t want to make waves so bowed to her every word in front of her but behind her back it was a different story. I can be very “self-assertive” when the need arises but in all honesty I had realized that I had outgrown my position at this place and found it more beneficial for me to move on, so yes I quit!! It was either that or smack the uppity one upside the head more than a few times! Leaving that place was the best decision I have made thus far.
 
 
Another form of being uppity (at least for me) are the people who flaunt their wealth and possessions making others feel beneath them or worse yet inadequate. These people feel the need to talk non-stop about exotic trips, new vehicles, how many homes they have, all the important people they know, always buying things for friends needing the feeling of others thinking they are pretty awesome. I guess that’s where some people feel they have to “keep up with the Jones’s”.  I’m just a plain person that enjoys life as best as I can, and to be honest, Mr. Visa keeps me in check so I don’t try and keep up with the Jone’s!  J
 
 

4 comments:

JoJo said...

My fiance' calls your second example of uppity, 'plastic'. My cousin & her boyfriend are like that....very show-offy with their stuff, yard, house, cars, etc. It takes 2 huge incomes to maintain their lifestyle and she was laid off last year. They fight all the time. Meanwhile my guy and I are living check to check, we rent our house, my car is nearly 10 years old w/ over 100k miles on it and we are soooooo happy.

Grover said...

I'm quickly realising just how lucky I've been with my colleagues. Everyone gets along well and more than willing to help you out - it's a really lovely atmosphere to be in. My sister, on the other hand, has come home from work plenty of times and described people like you wrote about!

Grover
Inane Ramblings

Unknown said...

Saw the title of your site on A-Z list and just had to stop by. Great post.
I,personally, think people like that act that way b/c inside they feel inferior and feel the need to make themselves "look good". Ironically, it does just the opposite to most people.
Enjoy the rest of the "Challenge"
Patricia, Sugar & Spice & All Things ? Nice

Kathy Cannon Wiechman said...

Uppity is my favorite U word so far. Such a telling word. May your day be free from the uppity types.
Kathy @ Swagger Writers