Keep up with the Joneses




Previous Page

Keep up with the Joneses : Phrases



Meaning:

Strive to match one's neighbours in spending and social standing.



Example:







Origin:

This term is 20th century American. It originated with Arthur (Pop) Momand's Keep Up With The Joneses comic strip in the New York Globe. The strip was first published in 1913 and became popular quite quickly. By September 1915, a cartoon film of the same name was touring US cinemas.

The 'Joneses' in the cartoon weren't based on anyone in particular, and they weren't portrayed in the cartoon itself. Jones was a very common name and 'the Joneses' was merely a generic name for 'the neighbours'.








Phrases Index





From Keep up with the Joneses to HOME PAGE