Niemcy z perspektywy najeźdźcy

"Znajomości" (roughly "contacts"). I'm not sure if this word is still used in Poland. I can't find an exact translation into English. sure, there's "networking", but that doesn't fully reflect all the aspects of the original. Chiefly because "networking" is neutral, while "znajomości" have a negative feel.

Znajomości include unfairness, because apart from conveying that someone knows the right people, and besides containing reputation, they are connected to corruption and nepotism (there's another word on this topic: "plecy", literally "back", ominously meaning "support"). See the typical usages of "znajomości" as the reason for obtaining benefits: "this is why he got a doctor's appointment", "he got a government contract", "he got an entrance ticket".

Znajomości is something other people have. We at most have acquaintances – or at least that's how I grew up. Znajomości are the reason why "they" are successful, and the honest "us" remain poor. Even though those "znajomości" don't necessarily imply breaking the law or social contract – because "networking" is still part of them – using this word to describe innocent deeds colors them evil. For example, buying a car at a discounted price from an acquainted business doesn't really imply any wrongdoing. Unless you use the word "znajomości" while telling about it.

Znajomości are often perceived as gifts, especially by those who have few of them. They are seen more as an innate part of the person, rather than something that has to be earned. My own experience tells me that networking requires effort: I needed to mingle with others, show the fruits of my labor, show up at conferences, talk to strangers, and share my advice. I suspect that also the "bad" side of "znajomości" needs to be earned this way.

All in all, I prefer networking compared to any suspicious "znajomości". If only there was a word for networking in Polish that was not a calque.