Nepo baby

Meaning

The idiom "nepo baby" is used to describe someone who has achieved success or status due to their family connections rather than their own merits. The term originates from the Japanese word "nephew," which has been shortened to "nepo."

The literal meaning of "nepo baby" is someone who has inherited or received something by virtue of their family background, rather than earning it through their own talent or effort. In a figurative sense, the idiom refers to an individual who has achieved success or status because of their family connections, rather than their personal abilities.

Usage

• "Despite being a nepo baby, John worked hard to become a successful lawyer." - This sentence shows that even if someone is considered a "nepo baby," they can still work hard and achieve success on their own merits.
• "Sarah's father was a powerful businessman, but her sister had to start from scratch and built her own company from the ground up." - This sentence highlights the differences between inherited success and self-made success, even within a family.
• "The nepo baby syndrome is rampant in Hollywood, with many young actors getting roles simply because of their famous parents." - This sentence emphasizes the prevalence of nepotism in the entertainment industry.
• "It's not fair to assume that successful people are just nepo babies, as there are many factors that contribute to success." - This sentence challenges the negative stereotype associated with the term "nepo baby."
• "Even though John was a nepo baby, he still had to work hard and prove himself in his field." - This sentence shows that family connections don't guarantee success and that individuals must still put in effort to achieve their goals.

Roots and History

The idiom "nepo baby" first appeared in the early 21st century, with the rise of social media and the increasing visibility of celebrity children who had achieved success due to their family connections. The term has since become a popular shorthand for discussing nepotism and inheritance in various industries.

Synonyms in English

• "Daddy's boy/girl"
• "Favored child"
• "Legacy employee"
• "Entitled"
• "Socialite"

Synonyms in other languages

• French: "Fils à papa" (son of a father)
• German: "Kinder des Geschäftsmannes" (child of a businessman)
• Italian: "Figlio del potere" (son of power)
• Spanish: "Hijo de padres ricos" (son of rich parents)
• Mandarin Chinese: "儿子大家" (son of a big family)

Similar Idioms

• no man is an island

• never look a gift horse in the mouth

• nail biter