cupboard love: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal
Quick answer
What does “cupboard love” mean?
Affection that is shown for selfish or materialistic reasons, typically for a specific gain.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Affection that is shown for selfish or materialistic reasons, typically for a specific gain.
Feigned love or affection, usually from a child or animal, aimed at getting something from the person (e.g., food, treats, or a specific favour).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is more common and established in British English. In American English, it is understood but less frequently used; equivalent phrases like 'fair-weather friend' (for people) or descriptions are more common.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries a mildly cynical or amused connotation. It is not highly offensive.
Frequency
Very Low in AmE, Low in BrE.
Grammar
How to Use “cupboard love” in a Sentence
[Person/Animal] shows cupboard love for [Person] (to get [Object/Benefit]).It's just cupboard love.[Person] is accused of cupboard love.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cupboard love” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The dog is cupboard-loving you because he smells the sausages.
American English
- The puppy is just cupboard-loving you for that treat in your hand.
adverb
British English
- He smiled cupboard-lovingly at his grandma and her famous cake.
American English
- The cat rubbed against her legs cupboard-lovingly as she opened the fridge.
adjective
British English
- He gave me a cupboard-love cuddle just before bedtime.
American English
- It was a totally cupboard-love gesture aimed at the cookie jar.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used. Could metaphorically describe a business partner's interest only while profits are high.
Academic
Virtually never used in formal academic writing.
Everyday
Used in informal conversation, often about pets or children. 'I think the cat's affection is just cupboard love—she only wants her dinner.'
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cupboard love”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cupboard love”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cupboard love”
- Using it as an adjective (e.g., 'He is a cupboard love boy'). It is a noun phrase.
- Misspelling as 'cupboardlove' (should be two words).
- Over-extending it to serious romantic or business contexts where it sounds odd.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is possible but unusual and would likely be considered humorous or particularly cynical. The term is most naturally applied to children or pets.
It dates back to the mid-18th century. The 'cupboard' refers literally to a storage place for food, implying affection is shown to the person who controls access to it.
Not really. The concept is inherently cynical. Phrases like 'pragmatic friendship' or 'mutually beneficial relationship' are more neutral but lack the specific domestic, treat-oriented context.
Use it as a noun phrase, typically as the object of a verb like 'show', 'is', or 'suspect'. Example: 'Her kindness seemed motivated by cupboard love.'
Affection that is shown for selfish or materialistic reasons, typically for a specific gain.
Cupboard love is usually informal in register.
Cupboard love: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkʌbəd lʌv/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkʌbərd lʌv/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Love you and leave you”
- “Fair-weather friend”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a child who only hugs their parent when the kitchen CUPBOARD where the treats are kept is open. The LOVE is for the cupboard's contents, not the person.
Conceptual Metaphor
AFFECTION IS A TRANSACTION. LOVE IS A COMMODITY.
Practice
Quiz
In which situation would you MOST likely use the term 'cupboard love'?