tall poppy syndrome

The tendency to criticize or otherwise speak negatively about one who has a lot of wealth, fame, or social prominence. In Australia, someone who is successful in this way is known as a "tall poppy," and the disparagement inherent to tall poppy syndrome seeks to cut the tall poppy down. Primarily heard in Australia, New Zealand. That star never flaunts her wealth or treats others with disrespect, so I don't know why the tall poppy syndrome is so glaring in media coverage about her. Now that I'm doing so well in school, I'm experiencing tall poppy syndrome with some jealous classmates.