second childhood: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, occasionally literary or euphemistic. Can be sensitive when referring to dementia.
Quick answer
What does “second childhood” mean?
A period in late life marked by a regression to childlike behavior, often due to mental decline or a carefree, playful attitude.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A period in late life marked by a regression to childlike behavior, often due to mental decline or a carefree, playful attitude.
A metaphorical state of reverting to childlike dependency, interests, or simplicity, either through choice (e.g., rediscovering hobbies) or involuntary cognitive decline.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. 'Dotage' is a slightly more formal British synonym.
Connotations
In both varieties, the term can be hurtful if used to describe someone with dementia. The positive sense ('he's enjoying a second childhood with his grandchildren') is common and acceptable.
Frequency
Equally recognisable but not extremely frequent in everyday speech; more common in written narratives or discussion of ageing.
Grammar
How to Use “second childhood” in a Sentence
[Subject] + be + in + (his/her/their) + second childhood[Subject] + experience + a second childhood[Subject] + enter + a second childhoodVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “second childhood” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- After the stroke, he seemed to enter a second childhood, fascinated by simple puzzles.
American English
- Grandpa's second childhood involves buying every new gadget he sees on TV.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in informal discussions about retirement plans or elder care services.
Academic
Used in gerontology, psychology, or literary studies to discuss themes of ageing and regression.
Everyday
Used to describe an elderly relative's behavior, either fondly or with concern.
Technical
Not a clinical term; 'dementia' or 'Alzheimer's disease' are preferred in medical contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “second childhood”
Strong
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “second childhood”
- Using it to describe middle-aged people being silly (too early).
- Confusing it with 'midlife crisis'.
- Using it as a direct, insensitive label for someone with dementia.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be insensitive if used to label someone with dementia without their consent. It is acceptable when used positively or self-referentially.
'Dotage' is more formal and almost always refers to the weakness of old age, especially mental. 'Second childhood' is more metaphorical and can have a positive spin.
Yes. It often describes the freedom of retirement to pursue long-lost hobbies or play with grandchildren without the responsibilities of middle age.
No. It is strictly a noun phrase. You 'enter' or 'experience' a second childhood.
A period in late life marked by a regression to childlike behavior, often due to mental decline or a carefree, playful attitude.
Second childhood is usually informal, occasionally literary or euphemistic. can be sensitive when referring to dementia. in register.
Second childhood: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsek.ənd ˈtʃaɪld.hʊd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsek.ənd ˈtʃaɪld.hʊd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “In his dotage”
- “Having a senior moment (weaker, for minor forgetfulness)”
- “Young at heart (positive contrast)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of life's circle: first comes childhood, then adulthood, and for some, a SECOND trip back to the beginning.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A CIRCLE / AGEING IS REGRESSION.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'second childhood' LEAST likely to be offensive?