Definitions by Robert Mackay

vicarious upmanship

Trying to outdo others through someone else's achievements rather than your own, such as your kids', your spouse's, or the important people you know. The competition runs through other people, but it's really about your own status. Coined by Robert MacKay.

When Tom mentioned his son made the varsity team, Linda immediately said her daughter got a full scholarship to Stanford. Classic vicarious upmanship.

vicarious upmanship by Robert Mackay October 30, 2026