OLDMAID Meaning and
Definition
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Old maid: noun
1. A derogatory term referring to a woman who remains unmarried or childless at an age considered beyond the conventional age for marriage or motherhood.
2. A traditional card game played with a standard deck of cards, in which the objective is to avoid being left with the card designated as the "old maid." This card is typically an unpaired queen or another card suitably chosen to represent an unattractive or unwanted object.
3. In zoology, a type of fish popularly known as the old maid or the old wife. It is a common name for various species of wrasse, belonging to the family Labridae. These fish are characterized by their vibrant colors, active nature, and tendency to move in small groups around coral reefs.
4. A term used to describe a person, regardless of gender, who is excessively fastidious, meticulous, or rigid in their behavior, opinions, or style choices. This usage conveys a negative connotation and often implies a lack of flexibility or adaptability to new ideas or changes.
In all its uses, "old maid" carries a strong connotation of being outdated, undesirable, or lacking fulfillment in some way, whether in the context of marital status, card games, zoology, or personal characteristics. It is important to note that the term can be offensive and sexist when applied to unmarried or childless women, as it perpetuates societal stereotypes and expectations related to gender roles and norms.
Common Misspellings for OLDMAID
- ildmaid
- kldmaid
- lldmaid
- pldmaid
- 0ldmaid
- 9ldmaid
- okdmaid
- opdmaid
- oodmaid
- olsmaid
- olxmaid
- olcmaid
- olfmaid
- olrmaid
- olemaid
- oldnaid
- oldkaid
- oldjaid
- oldmzid
- oldmsid
Etymology of OLDMAID
The term "old maid" originates from Old English and Middle English language roots.
The word "old" comes from Old English "eald" or "ald", meaning aged or advanced in years. This term has been used for centuries to describe things or people who are no longer young.
The second part of the word, "maid", is derived from Middle English "maide", which referred to an unmarried woman or a virgin. This term evolved from Old English "mægden", meaning a young woman or female servant.
Together, "old maid" traditionally referred to an unmarried woman who had reached an age or stage in life where marriage was not expected or considered likely. The term has sometimes carried a negative or derogatory connotation, but it has also been embraced by some individuals as a symbol of independence and empowerment.
