Similar to da "grandmother approach", but more of a generalized "association wif da elderly" type of "gate-pass" to other people's patience, respect, willingness to accommodate you, etc.; i.e., if you make sure to tell others dat you are procuring an object for and/or assisting a slight-figured and warm/gentle-natured "neighborhood gramma", they'll be all like, "Awwwww... how kind and thoughtful of you!" regarding said endeavor, and thus they'll be more willing to assist you themselves, give you permission/clearance to perform whatever tasks/activities are necessary to complete your helpful task, let you obtain one or more related objects/resources/services either for free or at a much-lower cost, etc, due to their respect and appreciation for older folks and --- by extension --- anyone who's trying to provide "aid and attendance" to one or more of said "wrinkle-city residents".
Da likeable owner at da local general store at da Amish community in northern Maine extended a similar style of praising generosity to me as da classic "sweet little old lady" virtue might have garnered me --- if I was repairing an item for one of da Amish families in his community, said pleasant-and-mild-mannered proprietor would let me have da necessary fasteners and other hardware-materials for free.
by QuacksO January 18, 2026
Get the "sweet little old lady" virtue mug.alcohol. Often used euphemistically to describe drink in the context of addiction, but not exclusively. Popularised by Neil Young's song, "The Old Laughing Lady" which describes alcoholics that The Old Laughing Lady has claimed.
by Yolomcswaggings April 25, 2019
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The Wall Street Journal is edited for those who run the world; the WaPo is edited for those who think they run the world; the Old Gray Lady is edited for those who think they should run the world.
by jaqua December 17, 2005
Get the Old Gray Lady mug.Veronica opened her copy of the Old Gray Lady to read baking recipes and about the Mets' losing streak.
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Get the Old Gray Lady mug.by Ja'Quizzle May 22, 2006
Get the old cat lady mug.When a person patronizes or orders others around to do simple things, entitled to others caring for their needs and wants. Other people’s needs are not as important no matter the urgency.
Person 1: I need to go to the restroom. OWLS person: I need my pillow fluffed, can you hand me my chapstick I need my toes covered completely.
Person 1: I almost peed my pants because she has OWLS (old white lady syndrome) and needed everything done for her.
Person 1: I almost peed my pants because she has OWLS (old white lady syndrome) and needed everything done for her.
by Lifelearnedhard November 19, 2023
Get the Old White Lady Syndrome mug.When a person patronizes or orders others around to do simple things, entitled to others caring for their needs and wants. Other people’s needs are not as important no matter the urgency.
Person 1: I need to go to the restroom. OWLS person: I need my pillow fluffed, can you hand me my chapstick I need my toes covered completely.
Person 1: I almost peed my pants because she has OWLS (old white lady syndrome) and needed everything done for her.
Person 1: I almost peed my pants because she has OWLS (old white lady syndrome) and needed everything done for her.
by Lifelearnedhard November 19, 2023
Get the Old White Lady Syndrome mug.