butter-and-egg man

A wealthy, unworldly person who spends freely when in the big city. The person is typically from a rural locale, as highlighted by "butter-and-egg." The phrase is thought to have originated in the 1920s, when newly minted millionaires were eager to display their wealth. Sam always wants to show off his money when he comes to visit us in the city, but he can't fool me—I know he's really just a butter-and-egg man! People who come from wealthy families can spot a butter-and-egg man, and his gauche behavior, from a mile away. So money really does change people, I see. That sudden windfall has turned George into a real butter-and-egg man.