nanny state

Definition

A state whose government institutions are authoritative and over-paternalistic, interfering with and controlling people's lives.

Etymology

Of British origin.

Example Sentences

• "Scapegoating an impotent government (running around to clean up the messes made by its business friends) arises from bad faith, from a continuing hostility to the Nanny State that nevertheless goes alongside a refusal to accept the consequences of the sidelining of government in global capitalism […]"