terrible twos

English

Noun

terrible twos pl (plural only)

1. (informal, psychology) A developmental stage in toddlers, normally occurring around the age of two, involving refusals and temper tantrums.
   • 1988 February, Working Mother, volume 11, number 2:

     The terrible twos can begin at 18 months and last until about age five.

   • 1990, Susan Hughes, Ryan: a mother's story of her hyperactive/Tourette syndrome child:

     The terrible twos came early. Almost a year early. When Ryan learned to walk it was the end of our peace of mind!