terrible twos

American  

[ter-uh-buhl tooz] / ˈtɛr ə bəl ˈtuz /

plural noun

1. a developmental phase in some toddlers characterized by temper tantrums, mood swings, defiance, and territorial behaviors.

   The terrible twos have reduced my kiddo’s vocabulary to two words, “mine” and “no!”

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Etymology

Origin of terrible twos

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

"He's in the middle of the Terrible Twos."

From Literature

He didn't see Terrible Twos anyplace.

From Literature

How could he be in the middle of the Terrible Twos?

From Literature

If there were Terrible Twos around, he couldn't see them.

From Literature

Later that night, wearing his pajamas with teddy bears, after his light was out, he peeked out from under the covers to see if the Terrible Twos were out there.

From Literature