# nepo baby

CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/nepo-baby
Updated: 2026-08-14

## Definition

a modern slang term for someone whose career benefits from having famous or powerful parents. People often use it to talk about actors or musicians whose family connections helped them get ahead.

For teachers: a colloquial and often pejorative term for a person, typically in a high-profile industry, whose career is perceived to have been advanced by their influential parents.

## Examples

- The media calls many young actors nepo babies.
- The magazine article debated whether the director was a true talent or just another nepo baby.
- While the label 'nepo baby' can be dismissive, it also sparks conversations about privilege, meritocracy, and the structural barriers within creative industries for those without connections.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.