Marie Antoinette

English

Etymology

From Marie Antoinette (1755–1793), French queen, traditionally said to have had a frivolous regard for the starving peasants; see Let them eat cake.

Marie Antoinette.

Noun

Marie Antoinette (plural Marie Antoinettes)

1. Someone with an extravagant and luxurious lifestyle, often at the expense of those who lack food, clothes, or shelter.
   • 2002, Francis Gordon Clarke, The history of Australia‎^[1], →ISBN, page 195:

     By the end of the year 2000, Howard seemed likely to be remembered as the Marie Antoinette of Australian politics for his incorrigible use of public monies to support the Howard family's personal comfort.

Related terms

• Marie Antoinette syndrome