A/somebody’s second childhood

usgb
noun

The state in old age when a person starts behaving like a child again, especially due to mental weakness or being senile.

As grandma entered her second childhood, it became harder for her to remember us.
Visual representation of "a/somebody’s second childhood" - The state in old age when a person starts behaving like a child again, especially due to mental weakness or being senile.

Often appears as...

  • entered into second childhood
  • stage of second childhood

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "a/somebody’s second childhood"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Age-Related Usage

Used to describe elder people showing childlike behavior; not to denote actual childhood.

Illustration for Age-Related Usage
Since grandpa's health declined, he's been in his second childhood, forgetting names occasionally.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Sensitive Context

Use carefully; it could sound disrespectful, as it involves mentioning someone's mental state.

Illustration for Sensitive Context
Aunt May is having moments of second childhood, so we need to be patient with her.
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Not Literal

It's metaphorical; doesn't mean the person actually becomes a child again.

Illustration for Not Literal
Sometimes, when he forgets where he is, it's like he's in his second childhood.
Visual representation of the word "A/somebody’s second childhood"

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