The 'Nepo Baby' meme exploded into the mainstream in late 2022 after a viral Vulture article exposed the deep-rooted family ties within the entertainment industry. Short for 'nepotism baby,' the term describes individuals whose career success is significantly boosted by their famous or powerful parents. The meme typically contrasts a celebrity's claim of hard work with their inherent advantages, often using imagery of babies in luxury settings or people 'starting' a race miles ahead of others. It has become a staple of internet culture for critiquing social mobility, celebrity culture, and the illusion of the self-made success story.