The difference between nepo, lapo and normo baby

By Nimah Alabi. 

We might all be children but in this world where class,money and power are, we are different and unique in our own ways. We have the Nepo, Lapo and Normo babies.

The Nepo Babies:

The Nepo babies(short form for nepotism babies) refers to someone, especially in entertainment, fashion, politics or media who benefits from family connections, influence or wealth to get ahead in their career.

The term ‘Nepo’ became popular online around 2022 after New York’s magazine cover story: ‘The year of the Nepo baby.’

They often have access to better education, job opportunities and social connections that give them a headstart in life e.g children of wealthy or influential parents who secure high-profile jobs or opportunities without necessarily having to work as hard as others.

They are often presumed as children that rarely struggle and often at times have things they want at ease.

Common examples of people presumed as Nepo babies are:

Hailey Bieber ( Daughter of actor,Stephen Baldwin)

Temi Otedola (Daughter of Billionaire, Femi Otedola)

2. The Lapo Babies:

It is a Nigerian Internet slang,  essentially the opposite of a Nepo baby. It refers to someone who grew up with no privileges, no family wealth and no connections, yet still hustles hard to succeed. 

The phrase Lapo is derived from the – financial institution known for giving small loans to low-income earners or market traders – Lapo Microfinance Bank.

Lapo could also stand for – lift above poverty organisation. 

Basically, calling someone a Lapo baby means they come from humble beginnings, rely on grit, street smart and perseverance not family influence. 

3. The Normo Babies:

The large group of people of people who fall somewhere in between, neither born with major influence nor facing deep poverty. 

They are known as  ‘regular babies’ and they are people who:

Don't come from wealth or fame (so, not Nepo baby)

But also didn't grow up in hardship or extreme lack (so, not lapo baby either)

They are average people often from middle-class or modest backgrounds, whose success depends mostly on education, consistency and opportunities rather than family names or survival hustle. 

They are;

Children of ordinary working-class or middle-income parents (teachers,civil servants, small business owners,etc.)

People who may have some stability but still have to work for everything they want.

People who may not have ‘connections’, but they’re also not battling poverty.

They Represent the majority of the global population , those who are not rich, not poor, just trying to build a life.

In Summary 

1.Nepo baby; born into fame/wealth privilege        proving authenticity.

2. Lapo baby; born into poverty/hardship resilience breaking cycles.

3. Normo baby; born into average, modest life balance building stability and recognition. 

The Normo or In-between people are the backbone of the society, they don't trend for privilege or poverty, but they represent the quiet, consistent pursuit of growth. They remind us that not every story is one of extremes: most are made of steady effort and ordinary beginnings.