The nanny state
noun
A state or government that is overly protective and interferes too much in personal choices.
Some people believe that enforcing regulations on food and drink sizes is an example of the nanny state.
Often appears as...
- overbearing nanny state
- government nanny state
Usage tips
Disapproving
Colloquial
noun
A state or government that is overly protective and interferes too much in personal choices.
Some people believe that enforcing regulations on food and drink sizes is an example of the nanny state.
Often appears as...
- overbearing nanny state
- government nanny state
Usage tips
Disapproving
Colloquial
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Connotation
The term often implies disapproval of excessive government involvement.
He argues that helmet laws for adults are just more nanny state meddling.
Pro Tip 2/3Political Debate
Used in political arguments to criticize opponents' policies as overcontrolling.
The opposition decried the new curfew as nanny state overreach.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Always Literal
Sometimes used metaphorically to describe any overprotective behavior, not just by governments.
My mother's constant advice felt like a nanny state at home.
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Connotation
The term often implies disapproval of excessive government involvement.
He argues that helmet laws for adults are just more nanny state meddling.
Pro Tip 2/3Political Debate
Used in political arguments to criticize opponents' policies as overcontrolling.
The opposition decried the new curfew as nanny state overreach.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Always Literal
Sometimes used metaphorically to describe any overprotective behavior, not just by governments.
My mother's constant advice felt like a nanny state at home.
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Connotation
The term often implies disapproval of excessive government involvement.
He argues that helmet laws for adults are just more nanny state meddling.
Pro Tip 2/3Political Debate
Used in political arguments to criticize opponents' policies as overcontrolling.
The opposition decried the new curfew as nanny state overreach.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Always Literal
Sometimes used metaphorically to describe any overprotective behavior, not just by governments.
My mother's constant advice felt like a nanny state at home.
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