Definition & Meaning of "nepo baby"in English

What is the origin and meaning of the phrase "nepo baby"?

The slang term nepo baby is short for "nepotism baby" and refers to someone, often in the entertainment industry, who benefits from having famous or influential parents or relatives. It implies that their career opportunities and success are largely due to family connections rather than solely their own talent or effort. The phrase began appearing on social media in the late 2010s, with "nepotism baby" used earlier in the 2010s, and was shortened to nepo baby around 2020. It surged in popularity in 2022 after a viral discussion about actress Maude Apatow, daughter of Judd Apatow and Leslie Mann, and was further amplified when New York Magazine dubbed 2022 "The Year of the Nepo Baby." Since then, it has been widely used in online debates, memes, and pop culture commentary about privilege and access in creative industries.