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
Get the Vanity PhDmug. 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
Get the COD PhDmug. Ryan has a PhD, I saw it last night when we both went to pee together. I glanced over at his PhD and couldn't stop staring. It was beautiful.
by Nukkin October 3, 2019
Get the Phdmug. by Soupersonic May 14, 2021
Get the PhDmug. 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 6, 2025
Get the Flopper PhDmug. Post-Hawaii Depression
When you just went to Hawaii and made so many new, great friends but now you had to leave them and go back to your boring life.
When you just went to Hawaii and made so many new, great friends but now you had to leave them and go back to your boring life.
by Upsi555 April 1, 2019
Get the PHDmug. by AMessageFromTheKing March 6, 2018
Get the PHDmug.