little old lady 

1. one who is seen as weak, and feeble, and/or feeble-minded.

2. a dainty, elderly woman.

1.
Bill! You are acting like a little old lady. Just do it.

You are such a little old lady.

2.
She is the picture of what a little old lady should look like.

The way she sips her tea; so dainty!

little old lady by The Crow (fo realz) September 24, 2013

"sweet little old lady" virtue

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.

"sweet little old lady" virtue by QuacksO January 18, 2026