I remember someone with nails like this appearing on (I think) Blue Peter back in the 70s, or maybe it was Swap Shop. IIRC it's a status thing, because the person with nails like that can't do even the most basic tasks, and must have servants to do it for them. When I was growing up a family friend from Mauritius let his little fingernails grow - part of his culture, although he kept them at the normal length for long nails, if that makes sense.