Definition
A social or economic barrier that restricts access to exclusive venues, events, or opportunities to a select group of people, typically the wealthy or well-connected. The term derives from the literal velvet ropes used to control entry at high-end nightclubs and exclusive establishments.
Example Usage
Social media influencers were ushered past the velvet rope at the exclusive fashion show, while other guests waited outside.
Origin
From the literal velvet ropes used to manage crowd control at exclusive venues in the early 20th century.
Fun Fact
The velvet rope has become a metaphor in sociology and economics for systemic inequality and the barriers that prevent social mobility.
Source: Definition backfill (hailey)
Related Terms
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See “Velvet Rope” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.
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