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You know that one friend who orders the most expensive thing on the menu, insists on paying (with 3 credit cards), and casually drops, “I might take a quick trip to Ibiza this summer”? Yeah, we all know that person.
But behind the rented Lambo and gold-foiled steak lies a sad truth: pretending to be rich is practically a sport these days.
And Reddit users? Oh, they’re the commentators. A post asking “What screams ‘I’m pretending to be rich?’” has people talking. From braggy Instagram vacations to designer bags paid with loans, the responses are pure gold…or at least gold-plated.
More info: Reddit
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
A cybertruck.
RELATED:
#2
Running for president as a supposed billionaire, yet selling sneakers and trading cards.
Some folks spend more on a watch than rent, or flex a car like it’s a personality trait. But why is that? Why do people love bragging? The pros say that bragging, or flaunting wealth, real or fake, is often rooted in insecurity or a need to be liked by others.
People who feel uncertain about their self-worth may try to inflate their image by showcasing status symbols. It’s the classic “fake it till you make it,” but with a side of debt and a sprinkle of secondhand embarrassment.
Pretending to be rich is usually a form of impression management. It’s the idea that we’re all performing on life’s stage, carefully curating what we show the audience.
#4
They brag about how much money they have and/or valuable things that they own.
#5
Defending billionaires when they clearly aren’t one.
James Howell 8 months ago
Sheeple who drank the kool aid due to watching fox "news"....I mean, come on people. They don't care about you, AT ALL!! Sad that they will bring everyone down.
In the age of social media, the pressure to look successful, glamorous, and just a little bit better than you actually are is stronger than ever. People curate their lives like a highlight reel, carefully selecting what to post, wear, and drive to craft a certain image—even if it's all smoke and mirrors.
It’s not always about fooling others, either. Sometimes, it's about fooling ourselves into believing we’ve made it. A designer bag on loan or a leased luxury car might offer some sort of a sense of confidence, even if it’s all just for show.
#6
Spending money you don't have to buy things you don't need to impress people that you actually hate.
Child of the Stars 8 months ago
Give credit where it's due. I believe it was George Carlin who said this.
#7
Spending 500 bucks on a maybe $50 steak with $6 of gold foil melted on it.
#8
False eyelashes that look like caterpillars, extra long fingernails, and a designer bag.
#9
Their cars are worth more than their homes.
John Smith 8 months ago
Maybe they spend more time in their car(s) and enjoy those more than the house(s) they only visit for a few days / weeks every year.
But there’s a big difference between actually being wealthy and pretending to be rich like you’re wearing a Halloween costume. Genuinely rich people often dress in non-flashy clothes, drive normal cars, and wouldn’t just announce their net worth in casual conversation.
Meanwhile, pretend-rich folks? They’re financing luxury cars while living in their grandma’s basement. They're “investing” in limited-edition sneakers while dodging student loan payments.
They're taking the same vacation photo and reposting it every six months just to keep up appearances. At least that’s what netizens say folks do.
#11
We had an issue at work for months:
All the stuff (all female) would not clean up after themselves. The staff room was dirty all the time. They wouldn't wash their dirty plates or would sit with rubbish next to them... because.... cleaning up after yourself showed you were poor. Rich people leave mess for others to clean up. That was their mentality! It was a sign of being poor if you wiped up a spill or used the bin. Absolutely aggravating.
#12
In my tourist city it's the big, lifted trucks towing a sparkling wake setter boats. It's all credit and we know it. You're not fooling anybody.
We're living in an age where consumerism and perceived success is almost more valuable than actual success. People are rewarded for looking like they have money, even if they’re drowning in debt.
Designer bags, luxury cars, and glitter-covered meals are marketed as the fast track to respect, success, and being envied by others. The result? A culture where people chase aesthetic wealth for the feed instead of building actual financial stability.
When image becomes everything, authenticity often takes a back seat. But let’s be real: No one’s impressed by your bedazzled belt buckle or your chrome-wrapped Jeep. Most people can smell a flex from a mile away.
#13
People who rent Lamborghini's or Ferrari's, and then don't know how to drive them.
John Smith 8 months ago
Rent them, don't know how to drive them, make videos of themselves as a big deal for being in them.
#14
Those obnoxious dudes on Instagram that claim they are “entrepreneurs” by doing shady stuff and then s**t on people that are trying to make an honest living.
Hippopotamuses 8 months ago (edited)
Between those guys and influencers, I'm beginning to think that shady ripoffs are the sole reason Instagram exists now.
#15
A $3k LV bag while living on loans.
Nathan Lewis 8 months ago
I saw a lady at the airport with matching LV luggage and a handbag. like, maam, it's luggage. It's going to sit in the dirty bottom of this flight that you're sitting in economy on.
There’s nothing wrong with wanting nice things. But when your lifestyle is stitched together with loans, leases, and label-chasing, that’s not luxury, that’s a financial house of cards. Instead of faking it, how about building it?
Budgeting may not get you likes on Instagram, but it will get you peace of mind - and that’s a flex no designer belt can top.
#16
Buying knockoff luxury brand goods (bags, purses, etc).
My other fav is the people buying a 10 year old, used Mercedes AMG S class or whatever. Like bro, the first issue with that car is going to bankrupt you. Just buy a new Corolla or whatever you can actually afford and live your life.
#17
Fake rolex and puffer jacket.
#18
Calling yourself CEO in your linkedin profile when your business is just you.
#19
Waving around cash.
#20
Instagram photos from a "private plane" and next to expensive cars.
Hippopotamuses 8 months ago
I think you mean Instagram photos from a room made up to look like private plane, and someone else's expensive cars.
#21
Buying a Tesla then using it to drive Uber because you couldn't really afford that Tesla.
That guy lives rent-free in my head.
#22
Posting different pictures of the same vacation at different times of the year.
Mrs Irish Mom 8 months ago
You could do that in Ireland, one days it's sunny, next day it's pìssing rain and the next day you might get a bit of snow
#23
Luis Vuitton with all the logos all over, nothing says pretend rich like a flashy on the go lol .
#24
My former hairstylist owns a jag and a vette and makes sure EVERYONE knows. Her facade slipped once when she said that money was super tight after a vacation that she clearly had no money to pay for. She is a single mom. The math ain’t mathin’.
#26
I know a girl who scams lonely a*s pathetic guys into lending her money to go on trips, so she can take pics of herself on these trips and posting them on facebook.
And then does anything she can from paying them back.
Hippopotamuses 8 months ago
I wonder whether you can be prōstitute without actually having sēx?
#27
Flaunting brand names.
PeepPeep the duck 8 months ago
With perfume though it’s different, I love Chanel no.5 but I prefer the parùm over eu de toilette etc as it lasts longer and is better quality, I can’t afford it off the bat, but I try and have one every now and then.
#28
Expensive watch, modern "muscle" cars, and non-stop Instagram posts that include eating expensive dinners or going on very short vacations.
Hippopotamuses 8 months ago
Of all of the Instagram trends, the one that truly baffles me is photographing your meal. Sweet Jesus, the purpose of food is to eat it. Not to show it off.
#30
Always with the latest and greatest (read most expensive) phones.
Final score:
13points
What do you think ?
Forrest Grump 8 months ago
Bored Panda Staff: "Let's repost this list every week. It is easier than finding new content. And there are gullible people who will pay for a Premium subscription regardless of what we post."
Arcady Royzen 8 months ago
Unfortunately, most people still judge the book by its cover. I will never criticize people for wanting to appear more successful in life than they are. It's their lives not mine. Sure, it does sound ridiculous to many as it is to me. But you can't fix low self-esteem with good sound money advice. Life has to do it for them. Some will learn and some won't... so be it, it doesn't affect me, just makes me shake my head and smile
DrBronxx 8 months ago (edited)
Sure, there are some obnoxious people who show off their wealth, but a lot of the posts on this list seem to have been made from some very bitter people. Lots of people worked extremely hard to get where they are, and they want people to know about it. Sure, there's an arrogance to that, but as long as they're not actually hurting other people, I don't have a problem with it. I mean, it's not important to me, so I just don't pay attention to those people.
PenguinEmp 8 months ago
Had a dude all blinged out in my parking spot. Kindly asked him to move. We have a visit spot and he can use. He said bro I isn't moving. Bro let me just sit here for a while ok? Need a rest. I said take your fake style to the visit sport. Bro. It ain't fake yo. I replied calmly, your glasses. there aren't 3 c's in Gucci.
Arabiata Arabiata 8 months ago
Back when I was a teen, we used to keep our cheap Hungarian cigarettes in a red Marlboro box. Everyone knew it was fake, but it looked fancy.
Corbmi 8 months ago
I think it’s forgivable (although not financially smart) if someone really indulges to get something they’re properly passionate about (classic car / watches / free range eggs). If they’re happy, etc. But the major issue comes when they’re buying things (on credit) only to flex, not to enjoy. Doesn’t compute in my head. And they’re likely still not happy as they then need to find the next debt-creating item to get more views / likes / egg sandwiches because they’re seeing people on Instagram with better things. I forget who said it (or the exact quote) but ‘comparison is the thief of joy’ is the phase this behaviour makes me think of.
Chris the Bobcat 8 months ago
I am most comfortable appearing nondescript, just another person in a crowd. There is a certain pleasure I feel when people realize they have underestimated me.
Damned_Cat 8 months ago
I worked with a woman who frequently bragged that she and her husband went on some luxury long-weekend trip. When anyone asked to see pictures, she would claim that they didn't bring their phones so they could just unplug. They had two young kids at home with Grandma, and they didn't bring their phones? Rigghhtt...
Rick Murray 8 months ago
Proper old money wouldn't ever behave like this. They have money, they've always had money, they don't have anything to prove so their signs of wealth are a lot more subtle, and certainly screaming "look at my designer labels" would be the height of cringe.
Mimi M 8 months ago
I can tell someone is comfortable by looking at things like their shoes, backpack or satchel... even if worn or scuffed you can tell quality.
Load More Replies... Boris Long-Johnson 8 months ago
Holy judgemental Batman! Sure if people are living beyond their means it’s not good but a good number of these don’t say anything other than some ELSES priorities don’t align with yours!
Mike F 8 months ago
Just an observation, not necessarily a judgment. TBF, isn't the whole purpose of folks carrying or driving this bling to show off?
Load More Replies... Forrest Grump 8 months ago
Bored Panda Staff: "Let's repost this list every week. It is easier than finding new content. And there are gullible people who will pay for a Premium subscription regardless of what we post."
Arcady Royzen 8 months ago
Unfortunately, most people still judge the book by its cover. I will never criticize people for wanting to appear more successful in life than they are. It's their lives not mine. Sure, it does sound ridiculous to many as it is to me. But you can't fix low self-esteem with good sound money advice. Life has to do it for them. Some will learn and some won't... so be it, it doesn't affect me, just makes me shake my head and smile
DrBronxx 8 months ago (edited)
Sure, there are some obnoxious people who show off their wealth, but a lot of the posts on this list seem to have been made from some very bitter people. Lots of people worked extremely hard to get where they are, and they want people to know about it. Sure, there's an arrogance to that, but as long as they're not actually hurting other people, I don't have a problem with it. I mean, it's not important to me, so I just don't pay attention to those people.
PenguinEmp 8 months ago
Had a dude all blinged out in my parking spot. Kindly asked him to move. We have a visit spot and he can use. He said bro I isn't moving. Bro let me just sit here for a while ok? Need a rest. I said take your fake style to the visit sport. Bro. It ain't fake yo. I replied calmly, your glasses. there aren't 3 c's in Gucci.
Arabiata Arabiata 8 months ago
Back when I was a teen, we used to keep our cheap Hungarian cigarettes in a red Marlboro box. Everyone knew it was fake, but it looked fancy.
Corbmi 8 months ago
I think it’s forgivable (although not financially smart) if someone really indulges to get something they’re properly passionate about (classic car / watches / free range eggs). If they’re happy, etc. But the major issue comes when they’re buying things (on credit) only to flex, not to enjoy. Doesn’t compute in my head. And they’re likely still not happy as they then need to find the next debt-creating item to get more views / likes / egg sandwiches because they’re seeing people on Instagram with better things. I forget who said it (or the exact quote) but ‘comparison is the thief of joy’ is the phase this behaviour makes me think of.
Chris the Bobcat 8 months ago
I am most comfortable appearing nondescript, just another person in a crowd. There is a certain pleasure I feel when people realize they have underestimated me.
Damned_Cat 8 months ago
I worked with a woman who frequently bragged that she and her husband went on some luxury long-weekend trip. When anyone asked to see pictures, she would claim that they didn't bring their phones so they could just unplug. They had two young kids at home with Grandma, and they didn't bring their phones? Rigghhtt...
Rick Murray 8 months ago
Proper old money wouldn't ever behave like this. They have money, they've always had money, they don't have anything to prove so their signs of wealth are a lot more subtle, and certainly screaming "look at my designer labels" would be the height of cringe.
Mimi M 8 months ago
I can tell someone is comfortable by looking at things like their shoes, backpack or satchel... even if worn or scuffed you can tell quality.
Load More Replies... Boris Long-Johnson 8 months ago
Holy judgemental Batman! Sure if people are living beyond their means it’s not good but a good number of these don’t say anything other than some ELSES priorities don’t align with yours!
Mike F 8 months ago
Just an observation, not necessarily a judgment. TBF, isn't the whole purpose of folks carrying or driving this bling to show off?
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