Thank you for your comment. I have asked myself the same question and I think yuppies still exist, but they would not necessarily be called “yuppies” anymore, and they have other pursuits (in terms of career choices). I also think that they do not “look” the same as they did in the 80s. If there is a 2009-yuppie, I am guessing that he/she is probably working in the creative field. The Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary describes the ‘yuppie’ as being “a young college-educated adult who is employed in a well-paying profession and who lives and works in or near a large city -” (1455). Nowadays, nearly everyone would fit that profile, so it is hard to answer this question. The yuppie is an “80s thing”-as you put it, in the sense that the term was coined in the early 80s, and-in my opinion-because many 80s and 90s films, newspaper articles, etc., portrayed typical/stereotyped yuppie characters and thus, made aware of them-mostly in a derogatory way. I noticed that some people do not know what a yuppie is, but when I try to explain, they usually know someone in their circle of friends who would fit that profile. (Young, well-off, etc) I find the article by Liz Hoggard “The new yuppies: They’re back – and this time they’re green” very convincing.

Here’s an excerpt:

“The crucial difference is that today’s yuppies make a great display of being green. They invest in ethical clothing and cars, go to farmers’ markets and, like David Cameron, have wind turbines on their houses. But of course they still run the London social set. They still live at the right address and draw the right income. The yuppie is still addicted to consumption: but the labels have changed. Instead of chucking money at Porsches and Rolexes, new yuppies prefer “experiential” pursuits such as travel, talks and art events. They dress differently. Out goes the sharp suit, which to York’s chagrin is thought “flash and anachronistic”. “Indie yuppies” resemble students or aspiring artists in vintage T-shirts and recycled Terra Plana trainers.” (Liz Hoggard)

In my opinion, the key aspects of yuppiedom have to remain the same. (‘young’ and ‘professional’) But the yuppie’s looks, interests, political views, and consumer behavior, are subject to change.

I hope this answers some of your questions.

Best,
Laureen