> I think it's interesting how different people view status, like the "Harvard Professor or Homeless guy?" quiz that used to get passed around.

This is counter-signalling. "I don't have to dress like a high-status individual, because I'm so high status that my high status is clear either way." It's why somewhat intelligent people use big words, but very intelligent people speak plainly: they are so intelligent their intelligence is clear even without the big words, and they want you to know that.