tall poppy syndrome

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/tɔːl ˈpɒpi ˈsɪndrəʊm/
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A tendency to criticize or resent people who stand out because of their success.

Examples

  • He tried to hide his achievements to avoid the sting of tall poppy syndrome.
  • When the award ceremony was cancelled, many blamed tall poppy syndrome for the decision.
  • Researchers say tall poppy syndrome often appears in cultures that value modesty above all.
  • She laughed off the comments, knowing they were just a case of tall poppy syndrome.
  • In the office chat, a joke about his promotion was really a thinly veiled tall poppy syndrome.

Similar words

cutting down the tall poppy
social resentment of high achievers
success envy
achievement resentment
status jealousy

Meanings

Social resentment of high achievers

social
neutral
A social phenomenon in which people criticize, undermine, or try to diminish the reputation of individuals who stand out because of their success or prominence.

Examples

  • The manager warned the team that tall poppy syndrome can make it hard for high performers to stay motivated.
  • She laughed off the comments, knowing they were just a case of tall poppy syndrome.
  • In the office chat, a joke about his promotion was really a thinly veiled tall poppy syndrome.
  • Researchers say tall poppy syndrome often appears in cultures that value modesty above all.
  • He tried to hide his achievements to avoid the sting of tall poppy syndrome.
  • When the award ceremony was cancelled, many blamed tall poppy syndrome for the decision.

Similar words

Etymology

From Australian and New Zealand English in the 1980s, where the metaphor of a tall poppy (a flower that stands out) was combined with ‘syndrome’ to label the phenomenon.

FAQ

What does tall poppy syndrome mean?

It is a tendency to criticize or resent people who stand out because of their success.

How is tall poppy syndrome described?

It describes a social phenomenon where individuals are criticized, undermined, or have their reputation diminished because they are successful or prominent.

What phenomenon does tall poppy syndrome refer to?

It refers to the social resentment of high achievers.

What are synonyms for tall poppy syndrome?

Synonyms include “success envy”, “achievement resentment”, “cutting down the tall poppy”, “status jealousy”, and “social resentment of high achievers”.

In which domain is tall poppy syndrome used?

It is used in the social domain.

What is the origin of tall poppy syndrome?

It originated in Australian and New Zealand English in the 1980s, combining the metaphor of a tall poppy with “syndrome”.

Is the register of tall poppy syndrome neutral or negative?

Its register is neutral.

Does tall poppy syndrome involve criticism of success?

Yes, it involves criticism of success.

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