mirrortocracy
/ˌmɪ.ɹəˈtɒkɹəsi/
mirrortocracy means A type of society where wealth, income, and social status are assigned through resemblance or similarity to those already in power. It carries an Arena rating of 1252, earned across 6 head-to-head judged battles.
Among words judged in Lexicurio's Arena, mirrortocracy ranks #15 of 17,138 for Most Incisive Words, #679 of 17,163 for Funniest Words, #715 of 17,132 for Most Betrayed by Its Sound, #1,464 of 17,131 for Scariest Words.
mirrortocracy is pronounced /ˌmɪ.ɹəˈtɒkɹəsi/.
Why “mirrortocracy” is a great word
A system in which wealth, status, and opportunity are allocated based on resemblance to those already in power, rather than on ability or achievement. Coined by Mitch Kapor, it blends 'mirror' (reflecting likeness) with 'meritocracy' (rule by the able or deserving). Unlike 'meritocracy,' which purports to reward ability, or 'nepotism,' which explicitly favors kin, a mirrortocracy operates through the subtler machinery of perceived affinity. It is the decisive handshake that feels right because it mirrors your own, the promotion granted to the candidate who already looks the part, and the boardroom whose members share an uncanny uniformity of accent and alma mater—a self-perpetuating circuit where power sees only its own reflection and calls it talent.
Etymology
Blend of mirror + meritocracy.
noun
- A type of society where wealth, income, and social status are assigned through resemblance or similarity to those already in power.
Definitions & examples from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 3.0).
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