Whether they’re sidestepping taxes, lobbying the government to their own nefarious ends, or accelerating climate change by crisscrossing the planet in their private jets, there are plenty of grounds to feel aggrieved about the habits of the uber-wealthy.
Someone asked the internet, “What’s the most annoying thing about rich people?” and netizens held nothing back in their responses. Here’s a collection of some of our favorite reasons to hate on people who think money absolves them of common decency.
More info: Reddit
#1
When they take over your country and start an oligarchy. Hate when that happens.
#2
How out of touch they are with average life. Their “solutions” to things don’t actually make any sense.
#3
Not controlling or teaching boundaries to their kids. The kids have a sense of ego that rich = “better than you” and “I can get away with anything”.
Throughout history, societies have been deeply divided by the concentration of wealth. The ultra-wealthy often occupy a sphere that appears disconnected from the everyday lives of most people. Critics argue that certain aspects of extreme wealth contribute to societal inequities and foster negative attitudes.
One of the most pervasive reasons for hating on extreme wealth is the glaring economic inequality it represents. In many countries, a small percentage of the population controls a disproportionate share of resources. Many argue that this concentration of wealth is symptomatic of an unfair system in which the rich not only accumulate money but also shape economic policies to safeguard their interests.
#4
That they often don’t appreciate how proportionally expensive, mind consuming and stressful it is to be poor.
#5
They often fall for their own lies about how they achieved their wealth.
#6
Their support of policies that ruin normal people.
Through campaign donations, lobbying, and direct investments in political ventures, the ultra-rich often have a louder voice in shaping policy than your average citizen. This disproportionate influence can undermine democratic processes. When policies appear to favor corporate interests or the needs of the few rather than the many, public trust in governance is eroded.
Another frequent criticism of wealthy people is the perception that they exhibit a sense of arrogance or entitlement. Living in a world that is starkly different from that of ordinary people, some rich people appear to be disconnected from everyday struggles. This social and emotional disconnect can manifest in behavior that seems insensitive to, or dismissive of, the problems faced by the majority of the world’s communities.
#7
Their inability to recognize their own privilege and assume that everyone has access to the same things they do.
#8
How they equate wealth with intellectual and moral superiority.
#9
They believe their money can get them out of answering for actions that would put a poor person behind bars forever – and are often right.
Critics of the wealthy also focus on how some people amass their wealth. There is growing global discontent over the belief that a significant portion of extreme wealth is built on exploitative business practices. Reports of companies that prioritize profit over the welfare of workers, the environment, or community development, contribute to the negative image of rich folks.
In many social circles, the rich are perceived as belonging to an exclusive club—one that values cultural capital and often reinforces class divides. Wealthy individuals might frequent private clubs, send their children to exclusive schools, and engage in social activities that are inaccessible to most. These behaviors reinforce the idea that the rich live in a different world, one that is out of touch with the realities most of us face.
#10
I watched someone in an interview say, ‘I’m just like everyone else’ while casually mentioning they own a private island.
#11
Their arrogance against waiters at restaurants or people in service in general.
#12
When they complain about the price of things for fun. Like, “$8 for a latte? That’s crazy!” Bro, you have a trust fund. Just tap the card and go.
Occupy Wall Street (OWS) was a grassroots protest movement that began in September 2011 in New York City’s Zuccotti Park and quickly spread to cities across the United States and around the world. The movement emerged in response to growing economic inequality, the perceived undue influence of large corporations on government, and the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis.
Many protesters felt that the government had failed to hold Wall Street accountable for practices that contributed to economic instability. Central to their message was the idea that the system favored a tiny, elite “1%” at the expense of the vast majority, often referred to as “the 99%.” This phrase encapsulated the movement’s call for a fairer distribution of wealth and power.
#13
When they try to control what everyone else does.
#14
I am an engineer that does building design. I’m mechanical but we also have electrical, plumbing, and structural.
I don’t enjoy doing work for rich people. Especially doctors, lawyers, and other rich people that are probably pretty smart. At some point, smart people who are good at what they do start believing they are good at everything, including engineering. What I do isn’t terribly difficult but you aren’t going to just pick it up in a week. And like 90% of makes me good at my job is a lot of varied experience. You can’t teach that.
#15
Not one has become iron man or Batman.
We reached out to Dr. Charles R. Chaffin to get his take on wealth and the wealthy. When we asked him whether he thought the media and social platforms exaggerate negative stereotypes about wealthy people, or whether these perceptions are based on reality, he had this to say, “The portrayal of wealthy individuals in the media and on social platforms is often exaggerated, largely due to the attention economy.”
Chaffin says these platforms thrive on engagement, and narratives that elicit strong emotional responses—such as wealth inequality, corruption, or out-of-touch elites—drive clicks, shares, and comments.
“While some of these stereotypes may be rooted in real issues (e.g., disparities in wealth distribution or ethical concerns in financial practices), the broader picture is often more nuanced,” explains Chaffin.
#16
When they claim ‘money isn’t everything’ while living in luxury .
#17
They almost always do not want to admit that they’re in the position they are due to factors outside their control, or in other words, luck.
#18
Trying to teach people how to get rich.
Chaffin went on to say that our cognitive biases shape our perceptions, including confirmation bias and negativity bias. If people already believe that wealth is associated with greed or exploitation, they are more likely to seek out or engage with content that reinforces these views.
“Meanwhile, the reality is that wealthy individuals, like any demographic, vary widely in their values, behaviors, and societal contributions. The media’s role in shaping these perceptions means that exaggerated narratives often overshadow more balanced discussions about wealth, responsibility, and philanthropy,” says Chaffin.
#19
How they waste what they have.
#20
The fact that they have money and I don’t while they are so dumb makes me feel even dumber.
#21
When they pretend to need to economize like the rest of us poors. There is a woman in our village that was reaching out in our local fb group about where to find cheap but good ski base layers – cause she was “going to be spending a lot on her heli-ski trip” Like, give me a break. If you can afford a heli-ski trip I am very sure that you can also afford some long underwear. Personally, I think the whole thing was a humble-brag ploy to signal to the community how very wealthy she is.
We asked Dr. Chaffin whether he believes there’s a shift in how younger generations view wealth compared to older generations.
He says, “Yes, there is a clear shift in how younger generations perceive wealth compared to older ones. Digital environments shape attitudes, and this is particularly relevant to wealth. Millennials and Gen Z, having grown up in an era of financial crises, rising costs of living, and social media exposure, often view wealth less as an aspirational status symbol and more as a means to achieve freedom, security, and well-being.”
“Financial socialization can shape attitudes toward money. Unlike older generations who may have equated success with accumulation, younger generations are more likely to prioritize experiences over possessions, sustainability over excess, and work-life balance over relentless wealth accumulation.”, he added.
#22
Someone so used to getting their own way all the time.
#23
How detached from reality they can be.
#24
Upper Middle Class Rich: Cheap AF, Entitled.
Millionaire Rich: Cheap AF, Entitled, Surrounded by Sycophants.
Billionaire Rich: surrounded by millionaire sycophants. Cheap AF.
#25
Loud sound of their cars when I try to sit in peace on a terrace.
Chaffin adds, “Social media amplifies both the visibility of extreme wealth and economic inequality, fueling discussions around wealth ethics, corporate responsibility, and systemic change.”
Chaffin concluded that this generational shift suggests that financial professionals must adapt their approach, focusing less on traditional investment strategies and more on aligning financial planning with clients’ values, purpose, and psychological well-being.
#26
That I am not one of them.
As if you needed another reason to dislike the uber-rich, critics contend that the rich are also often insulated from consequences. Whether it’s through legal advantages, high-powered networks, or the ability to hire top-tier defense, there’s a view that the wealthy can escape accountability for unethical or harmful behavior.
Which annoying habits of the ultra-rich in this list resonate with you most? Upvote your worst and don’t forget to leave a comment if the urge grabs you!
#27
Unpopular opinion. But more annoying are people who think they are rich but are not. People don’t understand how broad the middle class is & the fact that you have people making $500k a year with a modest net worth and an ocean of debt thinking they’re rich. Then lacking class solidarity with the middle class is annoying & naive. Relative to a real rich person, the average doctor / millionaire is poor.