When affluent consumers feel it's necessary to conceal their exorbitant purchases to others, especially in a weak economy.
Bruno felt guilty for purchasing a new Ford GT while many of his co-workers were losing their jobs. Now the GT stays parked in the garage while Bruno drives his Pinto to work. Bruno is experiencing a clear case of "luxury shame". Damn this recession!
by MTF June 24, 2009
The feeling a wealthy person unaffected by the recession has for still being able to buy whatever the hell they want while most of the world is teetering on the brink of utter poverty.
"I felt luxury shame for lusting to purchase a $100,000+ Hermes handbag but simply couldn't bear the burden of what my less fortunate friends would think of me."
by Jezebel's Baby December 1, 2008
The feeling a wealthy person unaffected by the recession has for still being able to buy whatever the hell they want while most of the world is teetering on the brink of utter poverty.
"I felt luxury shame for lusting to purchase a $100,000+ Hermes handbag but simply couldn't bear the burden of what my less fortunate friends would think of me."
by Jezebel's Baby December 1, 2008