Right-wing critics often use the term to disparage political opponents; the champagne socialist espouses leftist views while enjoying a comfortable lifestyle, implying that left-wing views are really only held by privileged people.
Kritikus sayap kanan sering menggunakan istilah ini untuk menyindir lawan-lawan politik; sampanye sosialis mempunyai pandangan politik kiri sambil menikmati gaya hidup mewah, menyiratkan bahwa pandangan kiri hanya dimiliki oleh orang-orang yang mempunyai privilese.