What's "copinage" in English?

i have to check google to make sure "favouritism" is as good a word in english as in french

Larousse says it's using the "old boy network" or one's connections, as stated above

When I saw this OP I immediately thought 'cronyism' which then turned out to also be the first response.

It's not that common a word but is very often seen in English language newspapers in China to mean giving unfair or illegal advantages to friends and personal contacts in the world of business and government.

I think it's by far and away the most appropriate word although it depends on what you are writing.

But, Count, "cronyism" has to do with one's cronies, who are usually one's equals, and the OP asks about taking advantage of a relationship with one's superior, who by definition would not be one's crony.

Here are the definitions, from the American Heritage Dictionary:

crony A close friend or companion.

cronyism Favoritism shown to cronies without regard for their qualifications, as in political appointments to office.

Sychophancy........

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<hr>OP asks about taking advantage of a relationship with one's superior, who by definition would not be one's crony.<hr></blockquote>No, he said "a good relationship with e.g. a superior" (eg = for example)

The meaning of the word 'crony' isn't really relevant to the meaning and use of the word 'cronyism'.

If you use Dictionary.com you will see that none of the definitions include the word 'crony' when defining 'cronyism'. You've given a definition from the American Heritage Dictionary but that's not the one that's listed on Dictionary.com. Is your dictionary quite old?

from Dictionary.com

American Heritage Dictionary - Cronyism
"Favoritism shown to old friends without regard for their qualifications, as in political appointments to office."

The best definition, in my opinion is:

"favoritism shown to friends and associates (as by appointing them to positions without regard for their qualifications) "

So you might have a good relationship with a superior because you went to school with his son and gave his daughter an expensive camera for her birthday just before the last round of promotions. That would be cronyism. You're showing somebody that is not necessarily a personal friend outside of business that you are prepared to buddy-up to him and do little favours and when your own back gets itchy he might just want to give that a scratch.

I still think cronyism is head-and-shoulders above any of the other suggestions, even if it is not that common.

I think "cronyism" hits it most. The guy who made me need that expression is using it within the whole company, not only with superiors but also with people from other departments.
Thanx very much to all of you for your help!!

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<hr>If you use Dictionary.com you will see....<hr></blockquote>But I wouldn't use it.

We don't agree on the meaning of "cronyism"; I can only tell you that I would never use it in connection with the relationship between two persons who were not of equal status.

OP, you can't say "He is using cronyism to get ahead," or "He is making his way to the top by cronyism," if that's what you're thinking of doing. The word just isn't used like that. It's used to say things like: "The Harding administration was characterized by cronyism and corruption." Or: "There's a culture of cronyism in that department that makes it difficult to be recognized for hard work and talent."

#18, so what expression can I use then??