A derogative term, “New Russians” (novye russkiie) is used to refer to the nouveau riche in post-Soviet Russia. The concept of “New Russian” is defined by conspicuous consumption, an absence of good taste, and unfamiliarity with high culture. New Russians emerged as the dominant social class in the 1990s, as privatization created opportunities for social mobility, sweeping aside the old nomenklatura>. Stereotypical New Russians can be recognized by their expensive mobile phones, jewelry, cars, and clothes; they frequent tony nightclubs and overpriced cafes. Many are connected with the mafia and often employ (or affect) the Russian criminal argot.
See also Oligarchs.
Historical Dictionary of the Russian Federation. Robert A. Saunders and Vlad Strukov. 2010.