Asking ChatGPT what it means to keep up with the Joneses, this is what I learned:
“To keep up with the Joneses means to strive to match or surpass the social and material status of others, particularly in terms of possessions, wealth, or lifestyle. It refers to the desire to maintain a similar level of material success or social standing as one’s neighbors, friends, or acquaintances.
The phrase suggests a tendency to compare oneself to others and feel the need to acquire the same or better things in order to fit in or gain social approval. It implies a constant pursuit of external markers of success, often driven by the fear of being seen as inferior or left behind.
Keeping up with the Joneses can involve various behaviors, such as buying the latest gadgets, owning a luxurious car, living in an upscale neighborhood, wearing fashionable clothes, or participating in expensive activities or events. The underlying motivation is often rooted in a desire for social status or validation from others.”
To learn about how the term “keep up with the Joneses” develop over the time, have a look at the graph in Google Books Ngram Viewer.