nepo baby
Hollywood dynasty heir
A nepo baby is someone whose career success stems largely from family connections rather than merit—typically a child of celebrities or industry insiders who gets opportunities unavailable to outsiders.
Short for "nepotism baby." The term gained traction in the 2020s, especially in entertainment: Half of young Hollywood are nepo babies.
It can be self-deprecating or accusatory.
- connectionsRelationships between things
- insiderOne with confidential access
- HollywoodAmerican film industry center
- celebrityWidely recognized public figure
- family nameHereditary portion of identity
elite networks · coattails · gossip · gatekeeping · entitlement · meritocracy · famous parents · systemic inequality · favoritism · authenticity · spotlight · elitism · backlash · patronage · legacy · privilege · industry · generational wealth
nepo babyself-made
Successful through own efforts
self-starter · bootstrapper · self-made success · self-made millionaire · self-taught