What does cronyism mean?

Cronyism the practice of appointing friends or associates to positions or otherwise showing them favor due to having a relationship with them, rather than for their qualifications.

The word cronyism is used to criticize such practices, especially in politics.

The people appointed to these positions can be called cronies, as in He ran for office to enrich himself and his cronies.

In general, a crony is a close friend or associate, especially one among several. Crony can be used in a neutral way meaning much the same thing as buddy or pal, as in I still get together with my college cronies. But the word is most often used in a negative way to refer to a lackey or an accomplice in some kind of shady or illegal activity.

Example: Several high-ranking department positions were given to friends and former business associates of the governor, resulting in accusations of cronyism.