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Original poster

What makes you think someone is poor?

277 replies

Userchange · 26/01/2023 15:02

What makes you think someone is poor?

I'd really like to know because I've had so many people assume that I'm poor (and not just in the last few years). Not people that really know me but like shop assistents or nurses and such people. I've had plenty of remarks that something like the ronald mcdonalds house would cost me too much money (was 15 euro a night).

I'm not poor. Far from it. I'm a SAHM in a detached house in a nice village. I style my hair every other day, wear minimal make up, always wear some fine gold jewelry. Granted, I don't wear brand names, but I do wear a proper wool coat, real leather handbag and leather loafers. I prefer buying pieces that are good quality and last than just pay for a brand. I don't have a noticable regional accent. DH makes a lot of money. I used to be poor when younger and apparantly I still look it in some way.

I don't have to look like you should rob me, but I would like the concerned poor remarks go away. So tell me, when you see someone, what makes you think that they're poor?

OP posts:
User1794329709 · 26/01/2023 19:43

And DF looked like a old tramp but had several hundred thousand in the bank, you can't really tell by appearance

Theos · 26/01/2023 19:45

Overworked hair

tattoos

overweight

Theos · 26/01/2023 19:45

Victoria Beckham parents were lower middle. I think

Usernamen · 26/01/2023 19:46

I look homeless because I wear a really oversized puffer coat that, from a distance, literally looks like a massive sleeping bag. But I don’t care, it keeps me warm.

Why are you worried about people thinking you’re poor? If people are judging you because they think you’re poor (eg snooty shop assistants) then they’re not worth knowing or engaging with. Take your money elsewhere.

Pinky1011 · 26/01/2023 20:15

@DanseAvecLesLoups 🤣🤣🤣🤣 This! 😂

Supersimkin2 · 26/01/2023 21:09

Jersey - from top to bottom, not loose enough around the derrière. Tight yet limp everywhere else.

Clothes that could be nightwear.

Too much black.

PVC shoes/handbag.

Shopping trolley of doom (I have one and love it, kidding myself I’m too posh to care)

Dodgy teeth, dirty feet in summer.

Long toenails manicured like fingernails.

User1794329709 · 26/01/2023 21:24

PVC shoes/handbag

Doesn't that just mean you are vegan rather than poor

Yeahrightthen · 26/01/2023 21:26

Shopping trolley of doom

I have to know what this is??

Long toenails manicured like fingernails.

Now THAT gives me the ick! Can you remember when toenail extensions were a thing a few years back and people would have them done in a french manicure? 🤮

IfNothingElse · 26/01/2023 21:33

winterpastasalad · 26/01/2023 16:47

The headteacher in my dc's grammar school looks very poor to me. Terribly dressed, not in a boho/vintage way, but more dressed with contents of the lost property bin. On the last prize giving ceremony (where all staff make an effort!) she got up to the lecturn in a 80s pair of blue/green shell suit bottoms, a blouse, clashing tartan scarf draped around her neck, court shoes and her hair was sopping wet with a child's plastic hairband holding her hair back. Lovely pillar box red lipstick that was over half of her face too. That was her making an effort. She usually wears a dirty t-shirt and very ill fitting Jersey track suit bottoms. If you saw her on the street your heart would go out to her.

She is however Oxford educated and the most fantastic headteacher ever. She has about 20 roles within the school and does lots of voluntary work to enable pupils from poorer backgrounds to access STEM activities. I can only assume that her passion for education means that her dress sense isn't even on her list of priorities.

She sounds fantastic 😍

ZenNudist · 26/01/2023 21:36

WTF? Why do you associate a regional accent with being poor? Check your prejudice.

Itsabeautifuldaytosavelives123 · 26/01/2023 21:40

I don't think I've ever judged someone as rich or poor by their appearance. Personally, I feel a good cut is when I look at best, and then it only looks good if cut every 6 weeks, after that it starts looking straggly and unkempt.

I do have a friend that gives the perception she is poor, she gets food gifted to her, and clothes. She never wears matching clothes, and doesn't cut her hair often.

NewFriday · 26/01/2023 21:41

ZenNudist · 26/01/2023 21:36

WTF? Why do you associate a regional accent with being poor? Check your prejudice.

I don't think it's having a regional accent, it's how broad it is/whether the grammar is "correct". I have a regional accent, but it's not as pronounced as many people round here.

I don't think that's an indication of wealth, obviously, but it often is an indication of education and that often speaks to income levels (or perceived income levels?)

IfNothingElse · 26/01/2023 21:41

Aphrathestorm · 26/01/2023 17:39

I deliberately scruff it up because I've had too many incidences of people using me for money.

People fall for it when I drive an old banger with unfixed dents, wear dirty worn shoes, wear specsavers glasses, leave on chipped nail varnish, drink cider, use a rucksack rather than a handbag etc.

Why are supersavers glasses and rucksacks indicators of being a bit poor?

User1794329709 · 26/01/2023 21:50

I take rucksack when I go on a walk as it is handier than a handbag for carrying stuff, I didn't realise it was a mark of poorness

huntermooreisacnut · 26/01/2023 21:58

i find this topic so interesting. I havent read the whole thread, but I have always been told i look 'posh' and 'wealthy'. I dont know why. I literally look like ive been dragged out of a hedge and I am as poor as a church mouse. My SIL (same age) has heaps of money but everyone thinks shes a chav and poor.

I go to my local one stop in a onesie. I dont get it. SIL thinks its my hair! lol. I have mad curly unkempt hair down to my boobs, and a southern accent. Im also thin?? But I wear next to no makeup and all my clothes are cheap warm crap. No brands. I dress totally for comfort (although I ALWAYS wear docs). She has all the hair, nails, tan and fancy clothes thing going on. I think she looks amazing, and i feel like a bag lady. Yet, yes I do notice people think im the wealthy one when we are out. Mmmm....interesting thread for sure.

Chowtime · 26/01/2023 22:16

Crying with laughter at whoever said Victoria Beckham looks like she's poor

Only on mumsnet would VB be considered poor looking

shinynewapple22 · 26/01/2023 22:21

Hmm
I have poor posture
Bad teeth (hereditary)
Am overweight
And at the moment I have grey roots and my skin which is normally very good is looking grey following period of stress
Oh - and I have a regional accent

Reading this thread I'm thinking of sitting down at the side of the road with a begging bowl !

User1794329709 · 26/01/2023 22:23

Just make sure you don't go into the Post Office

Pigeon31 · 26/01/2023 22:24

Can't really tell from looking but if someone is very cost conscious or always asking to borrow money or for other people to pay for them, it would make me think they needed to count the pennies.

piggypoole · 26/01/2023 22:25

They are just trying to put you down

ThisGirlNever · 26/01/2023 22:26

Userchange · 26/01/2023 15:37

That time it was a midwife and I was being discharged but my child was in NICU so I needed to stay nearby (c section, couldn't drive) and where I live the Ronald Mcdonald house isn't free. Nice that it is in the UK though!

Show quote history

Maybe nurses are told not to assume that people can afford them because they might be awkward/embarrassed or it could result in somebody feeling pressured to accept accommodation they can't afford.

UpUpAndAwol · 26/01/2023 22:33

Are you known in your local area? Would some people recognise you as poor from when you were younger?

It’s a hard thing to explain but I know what you mean. I have had similar reactions. Also very poor when younger and I am not now.,

I wonder if it’s something I carry with me in my disposition. Like people can always see through me.

FunnysInLaJardin · 26/01/2023 22:35

I assume folk have had hard lives without much money when they look older than they should. To me that signifies poor

OnaBegonia · 26/01/2023 22:36

Jesus fuckin wept the vile
snobbery here is unbelievable.
fat, tattoos, leggings, undone hair, false nails, too much makeup
these make you look poor??
when will women stop this judging of each other?
I have a successful business, most days I'm in gym gear, hair scraped back, glad to know the mighty middle class mothers are busy deciding I look poor, it's pathetic it really is.

MidnightMeltdown · 26/01/2023 22:42

@Mrcpy I didn't say that VB looked common, I said that she sounded common. It's been widely reported that she's had elocution lessons in recent years, so that well have changed, but that's not how she originally spoke.

If your one of these people who makes a profession of of being offended, then I would strongly advise you not to click on a thread asking about traits that make people appear poor.