spoon theory

[ spoon thee-uh-ree, theer-ee ]

noun

1. (sometimes initial capital letters) a metaphor to explain how a person with a disability or chronic disease must manage energy expenditures, calculate effort, and conserve resources to accomplish activities of daily living.

Word History and Origins

Origin of spoon theory¹

Coined by Christine Miserandino (born 1978), U.S. blogger and author, in her essay “The Spoon Theory” (2003)