nepotism
noun
[ ˈnɛpətɪz(ə)m ]
• the practice among those with power or influence of favouring relatives or friends, especially by giving them jobs.
• "he promised an end to corruption and nepotism"
Similar:
favouritism,
preferential treatment,
keeping it in the family,
the old boy network,
looking after one's own,
bias,
partiality,
partisanship,
patronage,
unfairness,
jobs for the boys,
the old school tie,
Origin:
mid 17th century: from French népotisme, from Italian nepotismo, from nipote ‘nephew’ (with reference to privileges bestowed on the ‘nephews’ of popes, who were in many cases their illegitimate sons).
