Slang dictionary
problem child
[prob-luh m chahyld]
What does problem child mean?
A problem child is a child who is considered difficult … you were probably one, right?
The term is also used as a metaphor for a persistently trying or demanding person, thing, or responsibility.
Related words:
- TPC
- headache
Where does problem child come from?
The term problem child dates back to the 1920s where it is defined as “a costly, nagging, persistent proposition…”
The term spread in the press by at least a 1926 edition of The Age, an Australian newspaper. The article suggests that “by reason of defective intellect, unbalanced character or bad environment,” the problem child “is unable to fit in the way a normal child should do.”
The severity of problem child weakened with time, suggesting more of a rowdy and mischievous child, rather than one with developmental challenges.
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By at least the 1970s, the term became a favorite metaphor in business and finance, where it refers to “risky business investments that drain company resources without turning a profit,” as Investopedia explains.
In 1990, the term was further popularized by the box-office success of the American comedy film Problem Child. In the film, a well-meaning couple adopts a seemingly innocent 7-year-old boy (Michael Oliver) who becomes a destructive troublemaker. The film inspired two sequels.
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Examples of problem child
Who uses problem child?
The phrase, problem children (the plural), is commonly used to compare and contrast an unruly child with their siblings. Thanks mom.
Problem child can also refer to an unruly member of a group or other metaphorical “headache” or “thorn in the side.”
Several rock bands, including AC/DC, the Beach Boys, and Simple Plan have released songs titled “Problem Child.” In late 2017, Chicago based rapper Famous Dex released a video on WorldStarHipHop called “Problem Child.” The song is jam-packed with illicit references to promiscuous activity and the consumption of drugs.
Note
This is not meant to be a formal definition of problem child like most terms we define on Dictionary.com, but is rather an informal word summary that hopefully touches upon the key aspects of the meaning and usage of problem child that will help our users expand their word mastery.