student asking question

Does "grown-up" generally mean "adult" in most of the situation? Or does he use "grown-up" as a joking manner here?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

"Grown-up" is a word usually used in conversation with children. Children call adults "grown-ups," and adults refer to themselves as "grown-ups" when speaking to children. Children use "grown-ups" more often than "adults." Ex: My mommy and daddy are grown-ups. Ex: A: Mommy, can I drive a car? B: Only grown-ups are allowed to drive.

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