Definition & Meaning of "DEI hire"in English

What is the origin of the term "DEI hire" and how is it used?

"DEI hire" is a slang, derogatory label that developed in the 2010s–2020s from the acronym DEI, which stands for diversity, equity, and inclusion — workplace policies meant to broaden opportunities for people from under‑represented groups. The phrase "DEI hire" emerged as a cynical twist on those policies, used mainly in political and online discourse to imply someone got a job only because of identity (like race or gender) rather than their skills or experience. It entered broader use especially in debates over affirmative action and workplace diversity, where critics weaponize it to suggest that a person's success reflects lowered standards or tokenism rather than merit. In practice, it's used by detractors to disparage or delegitimize individuals in positions of authority, often in politically charged contexts, and carries a derogatory, context‑dependent meaning rather than a neutral one.