The story
Originated in the 1980s, from the perception of being "sandwiched" (or "squeezed") between the lower and upper classes; compare sandwich generation.
Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.
sandwich class
Today it means: The middle class; specifically those who are too wealthy to qualify for welfare schemes but not rich enough to afford non-subsidized housing, access further opportunities or maintain lifestyle expectations. Full definition →