Refrigerator Mother

What Does "Refrigerator Mother" Mean?

"Refrigerator mother" is an English idiom. It is an outdated and derogatory term used to blame mothers, particularly those of children with autism, for their children's developmental disorders due to perceived emotional coldness or neglect.

Examples in Sentences

Here are three examples of the idiom "refrigerator mother" used in a sentence:

• The concept of the refrigerator mother has been widely discredited and is no longer used in modern psychology.
• The idea of a refrigerator mother as the cause of autism has caused unnecessary guilt and suffering for many families.
• It is crucial to reject the harmful stereotype of the refrigerator mother and instead provide support and understanding.

What Is an Idiom?

An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "Refrigerator Mother" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.

An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.

A Quick Test

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