hen pecking
Petty domestic harassment
Hen pecking, usually hyphenated or as one word, describes persistent nagging or domineering behavior, especially by a wife toward her husband.
The image comes from hens pecking at other birds to establish dominance.
A henpecked husband is one who submits meekly to his wife's constant criticism or control: He's too henpecked to go out with the guys.
The term carries sexist overtones, implying that assertive wives are shrewish.
- ball and chainFetter limiting prisoner movement
- wear the pantsHold domestic authority
- bossyToo fond of directing others
- domineeringAggressively asserting control
- naggingPersistent bothering or complaining
constant criticism · nitpicking · picking apart · criticism · nag · complaint · hounding · micromanaging · shrewish · power struggles · power play · badgering · dominance · pestering · passive-aggressiveness · verbal sparring · marriage · harassment
hen peckingmutual respect
Two-way esteem between parties
equal partnership · deference · submissiveness · male dominance · spousal support
hen peckingencouragement
Support spurring continued effort
affirmation · praise · building up · positive reinforcement · supportiveness
hen peckinggiving space
Allowing personal distance
letting go · non-interference · backing off · benign neglect
hen, hens, peck, pecks, pecked, pecking, pecker, peckers, henpeck