the.com/gatekeeping
knowing the secret handshake and then pretending there isn't one.
means controlling who gets access to information, status, or a community by hoarding the entry requirements.
from literally the person who guards a gate, decides who passes; the internet stretched it to anyone who guards a fandom, subculture, or niche interest with unwritten rules.
old useoriginally described media editors filtering news
internet turn2010s slang for hoarding niche fandom cred
twistoften used ironically by the gatekeepers themselves
related jabpairs with gaslighting and girlbossing as meme trio