fauxlanthropy 

one who is "active in issues" but not actually doing anything about it. They are just being uselessly vocal.

Facebook chainletter posters thing they are helping, but it is really just fauxlanthropy.

fauxlanthropy by gidgetman November 16, 2011

fauxlanthropist 

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"

fauxlanthropist by hugp June 30, 2014

fauxlanthropist 

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."

"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..."

fauxlanthropist by thorgythorns October 30, 2023