The term 'meritocracy', like 'nuclear family', is commonly used in a posititve way. However, both were originally meant in a negative sense. 'Nuclear family' was supposed to contrast negatively with the idea of the extended family, yet is nowadays used...
Source: TDOL's English Language Blog TDOL is an English teacher and co-host of this site. Here, he talks about English usage that catches his eye or ear, and looks at language issues that fascinate or puzzle him.
Meritocratic 
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