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Glite Dictionary
University of Spoiled Children

University of Spoiled Children

9.7
An insulting nickname for the University of Southern California that says its students are mostly rich
  • noun
  • Offensive
translation icon : [ofensivo] Universidad de los niños malcriados
  • Some critics derisively call USC the University of Spoiled Children due to perceptions of student privilege.

Examples

  • The nickname University of Spoiled Children is considered offensive by many associated with USC.

  • Critics often refer to USC as the University of Spoiled Children because of its wealthy student body.

  • He joked that he couldn't afford to attend the University of Spoiled Children.

  • Many people refer to USC as the University of Spoiled Children.

  • I can't believe they call it the University of Spoiled Children!

  • The University of Spoiled Children nickname highlights the perceived elitism of students at USC.

  • Many alumni dislike the term University of Spoiled Children for the negative implications it carries.

Surface Forms

University of Spoiled Children singular
Universities of Spoiled Children plural

Morphology

university + of + spoiled + child

The overall meaning — a university characterized as being full of 'spoiled children' — is directly and compositionally built from the constituents 'university', 'of', 'spoiled', and 'children', so a B1 learner who knows those words can infer the derogatory sense. Mapping the nickname to the specific institution (USC) requires cultural knowledge, but the semantic composition itself follows standard English noun + of + modifier patterns and is therefore transparent.

Etymology

University of Spoiled Children is a rude nickname that came from people who saw USC students with new cars, expensive clothes and an easy life and compared the school to spoiled children. That's why the name is used to mean 'a school for rich students who seem to get special treatment'.