A social climber is someone who seeks social prominence by obsequious behavior. Some define it as a parvenu, one who has suddenly risen to a higher economic status but has not gained social acceptance of others in that class. The accusation of being a social climber would be considered an insult by most, suggesting that the accused has a poor work ethic or is disloyal to his roots. See also nouveau riche.

An example of a social climber is the character Chris Wilton from Woody Allen's film Match Point.