'upscale' originates from the combination of 'up' and 'scale', where 'up' implies 'higher' and 'scale' refers to 'level or standard'.

'upscale' evolved from the notion of moving up the scale of quality or class, becoming a term for high-end or luxurious.

Initially, it meant 'moving up in scale or quality', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'luxurious or high-end'.