Difference between ‘cronyism’ and ‘nepotism’?
Author :
Sunil Jose
Blog :'Know Your English'
Date: 7/21/2012 6:31:21 PM
Both words are used to show disapproval. If you are accused of nepotism, then you use your position to promote or help the members of your family; it is favouritism based on kinship. The word comes from the Latin ‘nepos’ meaning ‘nephew’.
*Prema got the job because of nepotism — her father is the CEO of the company!
The word ‘crony’ (rhymes with ‘pony’ and ‘Tony’) is used to refer to a friend with whom you spend a lot of time. When you accuse someone of cronyism, what you mean is that the person is using his official position to help his friends.
*Bush and Cheney have often been accused of cronyism.
Source: ‘Know Your English’ ( The Hindu) – July 16, 2007
