failson
Privileged but unsuccessful
A failson is a son, typically of wealthy or prominent parents, who fails to achieve success or distinction despite every advantage.
The term implies squandered privilege—someone coasting on family money or connections while accomplishing little: The senator's failson got another cushy job he'll probably lose.
Often used critically in political commentary about dynastic families.
One performing below capacity
- bumblingClumsily incompetent
- ineptLacking skill or competence
- cluelessLacking any understanding
- incompetentLacking necessary skill
ineffectual · useless · mediocre · washout · flop · deadbeat · slacker · loser
Traitorous family member
- trustafarianAffluent pseudo-counterculture youth
- man-childImmature adult male
- basement dwellerPerson living underground level
- boomerang kidAdult child living with parents
adulting · coddled · spoiled · entitled · arrested development · Peter Pan syndrome · mooch · freeloader
Preferring kin in hiring
- trust fundAssets held for another
- inheritanceProperty received from ancestors
- silver spoonSymbol of inherited wealth
- coattailsRear jacket panels
legacy admission · nepo baby · elite · privilege · dynasty · birthright · favoritism · connections
underachiever
One performing below capacity
incompetent · ineffectual · useless · mediocre · washout · flop · deadbeat · slacker · loser · disappointment
Fredo
Traitorous family member
- trustafarianAffluent pseudo-counterculture youth
- man-childImmature adult male
- basement dwellerPerson living underground level
boomerang kid · adulting · coddled · spoiled · entitled · arrested development · Peter Pan syndrome · mooch · freeloader · dependence
nepotism
Preferring kin in hiring
- trust fundAssets held for another
- inheritanceProperty received from ancestors
- silver spoonSymbol of inherited wealth
coattails · legacy admission · nepo baby · elite · privilege · dynasty · birthright · favoritism · connections · wealth
failsongolden child
Family's most favored member
overachiever · success story · high achiever · prodigy · wunderkind
failsonself-made man
One who succeeds independently
self-made woman · bootstrapper · rags-to-riches · self-made millionaire · self-reliant
- epic failsSpectacular, shareable blunders
- DIY failsSelf-attempted repairs gone awry
- fails at lifeLacks basic competence overall
- fashion failsPoorly executed outfit choices
- foster failsFailed care arrangements
- dating failsUnsuccessful romantic encounters