To give TW some credit I have heard it used in mildly derogatory ways to classify a group of “old biddies” who are a bit over inquisitive and have too much time. I wasn’t familiar with the phrase till I heard a horticulture lecturer mention offhand how when he gave public lectures, 90% of his questions were from said group, and he could never leave on time because he’d be accosted by them afterwards asking questions about their own back yards and insisting he listen to their own anecdotal experiences…
The phrase does seem to be developing that meaning - that is, adversely affected by hormone fluctuations. Still functions as a general put down. cf. on the rag, baby brain, etc. Back in my youth, it was a way to dismiss post-menopausal women from consideration, while doing a bit of ‘respect’ for their age.
I thought she was referring to menopause/perimenopause…
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To give TW some credit I have heard it used in mildly derogatory ways to classify a group of “old biddies” who are a bit over inquisitive and have too much time. I wasn’t familiar with the phrase till I heard a horticulture lecturer mention offhand how when he gave public lectures, 90% of his questions were from said group, and he could never leave on time because he’d be accosted by them afterwards asking questions about their own back yards and insisting he listen to their own anecdotal experiences…
The phrase does seem to be developing that meaning - that is, adversely affected by hormone fluctuations. Still functions as a general put down. cf. on the rag, baby brain, etc. Back in my youth, it was a way to dismiss post-menopausal women from consideration, while doing a bit of ‘respect’ for their age.