Social-climbing whiz kid (7)

I believe the answer is:

upstart

(Other definitions for upstart that I've seen before include "Arrogant newcomer" , "pretentious person" , "Unexpectedly fresh" , "Person who behaves arrogantly in the new position" , "Person risen to high position, arrogant with it" .)

I've seen this clue in the King Feature Syndicate.

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