Trends and Entertainment

Recession Lexicon: Dumpies

n./ Downwardly mobile professionals. Closely related to nouveau poor.

The recession has created a class on the flip side of yuppie, comprised of people who are canceling gym memberships, moving from big cities back to home towns, and shopping with coupons at Bed, Bath & Beyond instead of Bergdorf’s. (If they’re shopping at all.)

Should you feel sorry for people whose high incomes have been brought low by the downturn? Maybe not, if you were struggling before the economy took a turn for the worse. Another reason not to weep, whether you are a dumpie or just know one: We know from experience that it can be liberating to be forced out of the spending race. At Recessionwire, we’ve said repeatedly that hard times force us to examine what is really important in our lives—do $300 highlights really make the list?

Tags: economy, Recession Lexicon