Come of age 🆔🔞

Meaning

To reach the age at which a person is legally considered an adult and has full legal rights.

Origin

In ancient societies and through much of history, reaching adulthood wasn't just about getting older; it was a formal, often ritualistic, transition. This 'coming of age' marked the moment individuals were recognized as full members of the community, capable of bearing responsibilities like voting in assemblies, serving in the military, or entering into contracts. Think of ancient Greece or Rome, where specific birthdays or ceremonies signified this profound shift from child to adult, bestowing upon them the rights and duties of a full citizen. The phrase literally captures this pivotal moment of societal recognition and legal maturity.

⚖️ legal ⏳🕰️ time 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 family

Come of age represented with emoji🆔🔞

This playful pairing of symbols, 🆔🔞, functions as a delightful visual riddle. It invites us to reflect on the universal journey of reaching adulthood, a time of newfound freedoms and responsibilities, captured with a wink and a nod.

Examples

  • In many countries, turning 18 is when a person comes of age.
  • She couldn't wait to come of age so she could vote in the election.
  • The little dragon was finally ready to come of age and breathe fire without accidentally singeing his own tail.
  • When the enchanted teapot decided to come of age, it demanded Earl Grey exclusively and no more lukewarm water.

Frequently asked questions

Is 'come of age' a legal term or just an idiom?

While 'come of age' is commonly used idiomatically to describe reaching maturity, it also has direct legal implications in many jurisdictions. The specific legal age at which one 'comes of age' varies globally but typically grants full adult rights and responsibilities.

What's the opposite of 'come of age'?

The opposite of 'coming of age' is usually described as 'coming of minority' or simply 'being a minor', referring to the period before legal adulthood. This signifies a time of less autonomy and fewer legal rights and responsibilities.

Did 'come of age' always refer to a specific birthday?

Historically, 'coming of age' often involved a ritual or ceremony rather than a simple birthday, signifying a profound social transition. These rites of passage marked one's readiness for adult roles and responsibilities within their community.

Does 'come of age' only apply to humans?

'Come of age' is primarily used for humans reaching legal adulthood, but the concept can be metaphorically applied to things like ideas or organizations. When a concept 'comes of age,' it means it has reached a significant stage of development and recognition.

Similar to "come of age"

Reach the majority
Both phrases mark the transition to legal adulthood, but 'reach the majority' sounds far more formal and official, like a pronouncement from a courthouse rather than a personal milestone
Become a man/woman
Both phrases signify entering adulthood, but 'become a man/woman' carries a more profound, gendered, and often culturally specific weight of responsibility and expectation beyond mere legal status
Gain one's independence
Both phrases point to a new stage of life, but 'gain one's independence' focuses on the practical and emotional separation from parental control, a different facet of becoming an adult

Opposite of "come of age"

Remain a child
This phrase argues for a prolonged state of innocence or dependence, a stark contrast to 'come of age' which celebrates the assumption of adult responsibilities
Stay a minor
This counters the idea of reaching adulthood by insisting on the benefits or necessity of legal immaturity, directly opposing the legal transition that 'come of age' signifies
Be infantilized
This suggests a forced or undesirable state of prolonged childhood, acting as a potent criticism of any system or attitude that prevents individuals from reaching their full adult status

Related to "come of age"

Coming-of-age story
This phrase is tethered to 'come of age' by narrating the very journey of transition from youth to adulthood, focusing on the experiences and lessons learned along the way
Legal age
'Legal age' is the benchmark that 'come of age' references, defining the specific point on the calendar when one officially transitions into adulthood
Rite of passage
This captures the ceremonial or symbolic significance that often surrounds 'coming of age,' marking not just a legal change but a profound cultural and personal transformation
Responsibility
This is the core burden and privilege that 'coming of age' implies; one gains rights but also takes on the weight of adult duties