A word describing somebody who gives off the impression that their actions are motivated by philanthropy, when in fact this perceived philanthropy is just a by-product of their actions which are motivated by personal objectives. The illusion of philanthropy is often pivotal in achieving these goals, such as the benefit it provides when applying for a job. These acts of fake philanthropy are merely a utensil to fulfil their internal agenda. The classic example being the case of voluntourism, where young people from middle class backgrounds volunteer in poverty-stricken areas, just so that they can put it on their CV (resume) or have a holiday; as opposed to any innate desire to help other people/contribute to charity.
Fauxlanphropist "Please donate so that I can teach English for a week in Zambia"
Person A "Good on you. That's going to look good on the CV"
Fauxlanthropist "Oh yah I know, but it's all about the kids really... it's amazing how much difference I can make to their lives in one week!"
Person B to Person A "I don't buy that spiel, he's such a fauxlanthropist"
Person A "Good on you. That's going to look good on the CV"
Fauxlanthropist "Oh yah I know, but it's all about the kids really... it's amazing how much difference I can make to their lives in one week!"
Person B to Person A "I don't buy that spiel, he's such a fauxlanthropist"
by hugp June 30, 2014
ˈfō-ˈlan(t)-thrə-pist: inordinately wealthy individuals and/or corporations (because...they're people, too) who offer a pittance to charitable organizations with unrelenting and vociferous self-congratulations; often performed every few years to self-soothe and fortify their fragile egos after their most recent marital affair and/or federal crime. (Note: sometimes spelled "phauxlanthropist")
Etymology:
Hybridized from French "faux" and Late Latin philanthropia, from Greek philanthrōpia, from philanthrōpos loving people, from phil- + anthrōpos human being.
I. Faux: "not real or genuine: such as
a: made to look like something else that is usually more valuable : IMITATION, FAKE
b: not sincere, a show of faux =feigned concern"
II. Philanthropist: "one who makes an active effort to promote human welfare."
Etymology:
Hybridized from French "faux" and Late Latin philanthropia, from Greek philanthrōpia, from philanthrōpos loving people, from phil- + anthrōpos human being.
I. Faux: "not real or genuine: such as
a: made to look like something else that is usually more valuable : IMITATION, FAKE
b: not sincere, a show of faux =feigned concern"
II. Philanthropist: "one who makes an active effort to promote human welfare."
"Did you catch the news last night? About *insert name* getting that wing named after her?"
"Yeah, that is wild...she donated, like, a million bucks. Isn't she supposedly worth over 10 billion?"
"Yeah, according to Forbes...it's basically like me giving someone on the board a twenty and them naming the hospital after me."
"What a fucking fauxlanthropist, dude..."
"Yeah, that is wild...she donated, like, a million bucks. Isn't she supposedly worth over 10 billion?"
"Yeah, according to Forbes...it's basically like me giving someone on the board a twenty and them naming the hospital after me."
"What a fucking fauxlanthropist, dude..."
by thorgythorns October 30, 2023