Money doesn't always announce itself through luxury cars, designer handbags or sprawling homes. Sometimes, it shows up in conversation. Whether intentional or unconscious, the way people talk about their lifestyle can offer subtle clues about how they want to be perceived. That said, psychologists caution against assuming that mentioning expensive experiences or purchases automatically means someone is showing off. Wealthy people may simply be discussing their everyday lives, while people of any income level can engage in status signaling.
According to sociologist Thorstein Veblen, who introduced the concept of conspicuous consumption, people sometimes display wealth publicly to signal social status rather than meet practical needs. More recently, researchers in consumer psychology have found that people often use language, not just possessions, to communicate identity, success and belonging. These phrases don't prove someone is wealthy, but when they're repeated frequently or inserted into unrelated conversations, they may reflect a desire to emphasize financial success or social standing.
