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naughty step

A place, such as a particular step on a staircase or a stool, where a child is sent to sit in silence as a punishment.

ˈnɔːti ˌstɛpDocumented since 1970s1970sGen XhistoricalCurrent181 viewsLast reviewed Jun 29, 2026+ Add a definition
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9 citations · last seen May 2026

Etymology timeline

Born ~1970 · 1 year of recorded use
1970Born2026: 9 citationsToday, 2026
Boomer / counterculture eraSee decade cohort →

Seen in the wild

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UK
#1·Apr 27, 2026UK

A place, such as a particular step on a staircase or a stool, where a child is sent to sit in silence as a punishment.

She is still talking to them at length about bringing up children without naughty steps.
Origin: According to the Oxford English Dictionary, sense 2 (“state of disgrace, exclusion from a group, or punishment”) is attested earlier than sense 1 (“place where a child is sent to sit as a punishment”), though logically sense 2 follows from sense 1. The term was popularized by the professional nanny and author Jo Frost (born 1970) in the British television show Supernanny (first broadcast in 2004). Origin information sourced from Wiktionary contributors (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Heard in the wild
  • “🙄🙄 Excellent photography again Neil. Go join Sharon she likes snacks for the naughty step. Preferably chocolate. 😂”

    — Bluesky· May 2026
  • “Heike you have posted three very strong captures today. All excellent. Can’t even pick a favourite. Go sit on the BOTD naughty step for showing off. 5 minutes. Bring wine as others have brought snacks. 😂”

    — Bluesky· May 2026
  • “Fantastic shots Jane. Somebody looking a BOTD ban so they can sit on the naughty step eating maltesers with @sharonwelby.bsky.social”

    — Bluesky· May 2026
  • “As there’s dappling on the outer parts of the wings I’m afraid I’m going to have to send you to the BOTD naughty step for 5 minutes Sharon. Show off!! 😂”

    — Bluesky· May 2026
  • “Welcome, Sharon. I'm a permanent resident of the naughty step. It's my second home.”

    — Bluesky· May 2026
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UK
#2·Apr 27, 2026UK

(figuratively) A state of disgrace, exclusion from a group, or punishment as a result of a misdemeanour.

I use the naughty step technique. Harvey understands that if he throws something he has to pick it up. say sorry and go and sit on the naughty step and count to thirty.
Heard in the wild
  • “What a truly great set of captures d. Too good. Naughty step, 10 minutes for showing off. Bring snacks, others are bringing wine. 🍷 😁”

    — Bluesky· May 2026
  • “Excellent in flight capture Lorraine. Hmmm, is this showing off? Rob didn’t ask for an in flight but……nope it’s showing off. Naughty step, 10 minutes, repeat offender. Bring wine. 🍷 😁”

    — Bluesky· May 2026
  • “Sorry Alan. I have wine and the naughty step is calling 😔😂 In my defense, I don't have photos of any of them on the sea or perched on a rock 😂”

    — Bluesky· May 2026
  • “The ripples!!!!!! Fabulous photography Tara. Hmmm, show off, 10 minutes on the naughty step, wine and snacks are provided. 😁”

    — Bluesky· May 2026
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