nepo

Meanings

1. 1noununcountableinformaldisapproving

   the practice of giving jobs or advantages to relatives, or a person who benefits from this

   Grammar: Uncountable when referring to the practice; countable when referring to a person (a nepo).

   Patterns

   • nepo baby
   • nepo kid

   Critics say the industry is full of nepo hires who got their jobs through family connections.

   She's tired of being called a nepo just because her father is a famous director.

   The term 'nepo baby' became popular on social media to describe celebrities with famous parents.

2. 2nouncountableinformaldisapproving

   a person who has benefited from family connections, especially in getting a job

   Grammar: Countable: a nepo, two nepos. Often used in the phrase 'nepo baby'.

   Patterns

   • a nepo baby

   He's a nepo baby and everyone knows it, but he still works hard.

   Many young actors in Hollywood are dismissed as nepos, even if they have talent.

Word forms

Common combinations

nepo baby

The actress hates being labeled a nepo baby.

nepo hire

The company was accused of nepo hires after promoting the CEO's son.

cry nepo

Some fans cry nepo whenever a celebrity's child gets a role.

Synonyms and how they differ

nepotism

The formal word for the practice; 'nepo' is informal and can also refer to a person.

Word family

nepotism noun

The practice of favoring relatives, especially in giving them jobs.

nepotistic adjective

Describing behavior that favors relatives unfairly.

Commonly confused: nepo or nephew?

Practice

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