naughty step

ˈnɔːti ˌstɛp

2 definitions

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#1·7h ago

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).

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#2·7h ago

(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.

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