Avery important person (VIP orV.I.P.) orpersonage[1] is a person who is accorded specialprivileges due to their high social rank,status,influence, orimportance.[2][3] The term was not common until sometime afterWorld War II when it was popularised byRoyal Air Force pilots.[1][additional citation(s) needed]
Examples includecelebrities,heads of state orgovernment, other high-rankingpoliticians, or any other socially notable person who receives special treatment for any reason.[3] The special treatment usually involves separation fromcommon people, and a higher level of comfort or service.[4]
In some cases, such as withtickets, VIP may be used as a title in a similar way topremium orexclusive. Usually in airports, VIP tickets can be purchased by anyone, but still meaning separation from other customers, own security checks etc.
VIPairport terminals may be used by foreign ministers,ambassadors or high-ranking government personalities, provided that they areofficially invited by the receiving country's government.[5]
Sometimes, the termvery very important person (VVIP orV.V.I.P.) is also used,[6] especially with reference to VIPs with very high socioeconomic rank orpurchasing power.[7] It is used especially when anyone can buy VIP treatment, to distinguish people with especially high requirements.[8]V.V.V.I.P. (or VVVIP) can denote even another, higher level of exclusivity.[9][10]
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