A doctoral degree pursued solely for the status conferred by the title of "Dr." and the lifestyle perks associated with living in a desirable location, without any genuine interest in academic achievement or contributing to a field of study. The motivation for obtaining a "vanity PhD" is entirely based on the superficial benefits of holding a doctorate (social prestige and lifestyle) rather than the pursuit of knowledge or a passion for research.
"Did you hear that Catherine got into Columbia University for a PhD in biostatistics? I was surprised considering she wasn't particularly adept at statistics in her undergrad."
"I wouldn't shower her with too much praise, it's nothing but a vanity PhD – she just wants to be known as 'Dr. Caldwell' and explicitly said she didn't want to do her PhD at Penn because 'she couldn't imagine spending her twenties in Philadelphia.'"
"Oh wow, so she's not doing a PhD out of any regard for pursuing the higher truths of academia or for the love of learning. It's all just to fluff up her ego and drink and party in New York City. A vanity PhD if I've ever seen one!"
"I wouldn't shower her with too much praise, it's nothing but a vanity PhD – she just wants to be known as 'Dr. Caldwell' and explicitly said she didn't want to do her PhD at Penn because 'she couldn't imagine spending her twenties in Philadelphia.'"
"Oh wow, so she's not doing a PhD out of any regard for pursuing the higher truths of academia or for the love of learning. It's all just to fluff up her ego and drink and party in New York City. A vanity PhD if I've ever seen one!"
by maplejordan22 April 14, 2024
The phenomenon when some who has a PhD and their arrogance has caused them to only able to hear the words of, see the contributions of, or acknowledge others people with PhD’s.
by SuperBAW January 22, 2021
Typically refers to someone with a really long name, like Tikki Tikki Tembo No Sarimbo Hari Kari Bushkie Perry Pem Do Hai Kai Pom Pom Nikki No Meeno Dom Barako.
That name is a King Wilbur Wilbur Piggie I of the United Piggies of China from Arcadia, Gallifrey, PhD .
by Mr. Hee Hee September 08, 2020
When a person thinks they have a doctorate in a subject because they've seen it on TV or in a movie.
Bill:"Did you know the moon is the size of a quarter?"
Ted:"What are you talking about?"
Bill: "Yeah, I saw it on a documentary on conspiracy theories last night."
Ted:"Oh, you think you've got a Visual PHD..."
Ted:"What are you talking about?"
Bill: "Yeah, I saw it on a documentary on conspiracy theories last night."
Ted:"Oh, you think you've got a Visual PHD..."
by albinorineo August 09, 2010
The sex act of having a person spread eagle at the bottom of a staircase, while a another person stands at the top of the stairs then proceeds to dolphin dive and lands into her.
Person one: Have you seen Stacy?
Person two: I haven't seen Stacy since she talked about wanting a Flopper PhD.
Person one: I hope she's okay.
Person two: I haven't seen Stacy since she talked about wanting a Flopper PhD.
Person one: I hope she's okay.
by TheDeadYeti February 06, 2025
Somebody who has played so much call of duty that they think they know everything there is to know about guns, when in reality they dont know what the fuck the safety does.
two guys watching a war movie
1:man that is bs! you have to shoot somebody 2 times with a pistol to kill them!
2: nice to know that you have your COD PhD...
1:man that is bs! you have to shoot somebody 2 times with a pistol to kill them!
2: nice to know that you have your COD PhD...
by Derpatitus H. July 29, 2012
What people with a PhD's have. First you gotta go through high school... then you gotta get your shit together and get into university you study your ass off for 4 years to get Bachelors... then you say to yourself "im really having fun killing my self, I should kill my self some more" and then you get your masters after 2 more years AND then after you are almost losing sense of reality and are having a mental breakdown you push away your last few friends and family members who are trying to bring you to your senses and then you decide to go for your PhD and then after 4 years of treacherous research you officially unlock a new power up that makes you permanently fried in the head.
Person #1: yo my prof is so weird bro.... he keep murmuring to himself when he teaches and his lecture notes don't even make sense
Person #2: Ahlie!
Person #3: yea I know its cuz he has permanent head damage (PhD), he has lost sense of reality.
Person #2: Ahlie!
Person #3: yea I know its cuz he has permanent head damage (PhD), he has lost sense of reality.
by LightThief November 13, 2018