Monster-in-Law
A monster-in-law is a mother-in-law perceived as meddlesome, hostile, or overbearing—a blend of "monster" and "mother-in-law" that captures the stereotype of difficult in-law relationships: My monster-in-law criticized everything about the wedding.
The term gained currency from the 2005 film of the same name.
Less commonly applied to fathers-in-law.
Fixed oversimplified notion
- archetypeOriginal model for copies
- sitcomEpisodic TV comedy series
- nightmareFrightening dream causing wakefulness
- horror storiesNarratives meant to frighten
caricature · villain · antagonist · cliche · comedy gold · exaggeration · battle-axe · dragon lady
Arrogantly dominating in manner
- controllingExerting authority over others
- interferenceUnwelcome involvement in affairs
- boundariesLines marking separation
- tensionStretched or strained state
disapproval · possessive · manipulation · rivalry · criticism · dominance · resentment · power struggle
- comedyWork meant to amuse
- 2005A calendar year
- weddingMarriage rite and feast
- romantic comedyHumorous love story genre
Jane Fonda · Wanda Sykes · bride · Charlotte · Hollywood · box office · chick flick · ensemble cast
Pre-marriage gift gathering
- rehearsal dinnerPre-nuptial meal for wedding party
- guest listRecord of invitees
- seating chartPlan showing seat assignments
- ceremonyFormal event marking occasions
reception · wedding planning · bridezilla · mother of groom · dress shopping · venue · caterer · invitation
stereotype
Fixed oversimplified notion
- archetypeOriginal model for copies
- sitcomEpisodic TV comedy series
- nightmareFrightening dream causing wakefulness
horror stories · caricature · villain · antagonist · cliche · comedy gold · exaggeration · battle-axe · dragon lady · overbearing mother
overbearing
Arrogantly dominating in manner
- controllingExerting authority over others
- interferenceUnwelcome involvement in affairs
- boundariesLines marking separation
tension · disapproval · possessive · manipulation · rivalry · criticism · dominance · resentment · power struggle · passive-aggressive
Jennifer Lopez
Jane Fonda · romantic comedy · Wanda Sykes · bride · Charlotte · Hollywood · box office · chick flick · ensemble cast · screenplay
bridal shower
Pre-marriage gift gathering
- rehearsal dinnerPre-nuptial meal for wedding party
- guest listRecord of invitees
- seating chartPlan showing seat assignments
ceremony · reception · wedding planning · bridezilla · mother of groom · dress shopping · venue · caterer · invitation · engagement
- rom-comsrom-com, romantic comedy, romcom, Pretty Woman, meet-cute
Monster-in-Lawsaint
Canonized holy person
sweetheart · angel · darling · treasure · gem
monster, monsters, monstrous, monstrosity, monstrousness, lawful, lawless, lawyer, lawfully