Cupboard love

Cupboard love

"Cupboard love" is an English phrase referring to affection that is given purely to gain a reward.

The term derives from the way in which a cat will give a cupboard containing its food superficial "love" (which is not normally exhibited) when it wants to be fed.[citation needed] The phrase is most often applied to human activity, for example when a child will say "I love you so much" before or after requesting a treat, for example an ice cream.

Cupboard love is a milder version of conditional love, where love is given solely in response to certain behaviour. Some local authorities class conditional love as a form of emotional abuse.[1]

References

  1. ^ "Strange Justice", 2007-08-23. Retrieved on August 25, 2007.

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  • Cupboard love — Cupboard Cup board (k[u^]b b[ e]rd), n. [Cup + board.] 1. A board or shelf for cups and dishes. [Obs.] Bacon. [1913 Webster] 2. A small closet in a room, with shelves to receive cups, dishes, food, etc.; hence, any small closet. [1913 Webster]… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Cupboard Love — is an English phrase referring to affection that is given purely to gain a reward.The term is derives from the way in which a cat will give a cupboard containing its food superficial love (which is not normally exhibited) when it wants to be fed …   Wikipedia

  • cupboard love — (UK) To show love to gain something from someone …   The small dictionary of idiomes

  • cupboard love — ► NOUN ▪ affection that is feigned so as to obtain something …   English terms dictionary

  • cupboard love — noun a show of affection motivated by selfishness • Hypernyms: ↑kindness, ↑benignity * * * noun : insincere love professed for the sake of gain • cupboard lover noun * * * cupboard lover. a personal attac …   Useful english dictionary

  • cupboard love — noun Insincere (and usually fickle) love pretended in the hope of gaining something useful in exchange. This last and long enduring passion for Mrs Thrale was, however, composed equally perhaps of cupboard love, Platonic love, and vanity tickled… …   Wiktionary

  • cupboard love — British & Australian love that you give in order to get something from someone. I suspected all along it was just cupboard love, and what she really liked about him was his car …   New idioms dictionary

  • cupboard love — cupboard lover. a personal attachment that appears to be motivated by love but in fact stems from the hope of gain. [1750 60] * * * …   Universalium

  • cupboard-love — cupˈboard love noun Hypocritical show of affection for material gain • • • Main Entry: ↑cupboard …   Useful english dictionary

  • cupboard love — Brit. affection that is feigned so as to obtain something. → cupboard …   English new terms dictionary

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