Eli5: why do people use the term Middle class instead of Working class?

Question

Isn’t middle simply confusing?

Are we not working folks and wealthy-ruling folks that generate wealth via assets?

Edit: thank you all who’ve helped me gain a better understand of the concept from many different angles

In: 0

Answer 1

It should be noted that in Europe, and in particular Britain, class has nothing to do with how much money you have.

Upper-class people can be destitute, and lower-class people can be millionaires.

It’s about who your parents and grandparents are and what your upbringing was like.

The Middle Class developed from the medieval professionals (lawyers, teachers, doctors) and merchants. Families who were neither landowners nor farmers/labourers.