grey power
- noun
- /ɡreɪ ˈpaʊər/
- UK
:
poder gris
- The rise of grey power is changing public policy on healthcare and pensions.
Examples
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Many politicians now seek the support of grey power during election campaigns.
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Grey power has become increasingly important as the population ages.
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The grey power movement is gaining momentum.
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Politicians are increasingly aware of grey power.
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Grey power is a growing force in politics as more seniors actively participate in elections.
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Many advocacy groups are harnessing grey power to influence policies that benefit older adults.
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As the elderly population increases, grey power plays a crucial role in shaping social reform.
How Influential
Surface Forms
Morphology
The modifier 'grey' readily evokes older people (grey hair) and 'power' denotes influence, so the compound straightforwardly means the influence held by older adults. This modifier+noun composition is a transparent, compositional pattern found across languages, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents would likely infer the meaning.
Etymology
Grey power comes from the image of many people with grey hair using their joined power—their votes and voices—to change elections and public policy. So it means the political 'influence' of older people.