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# young at heart

phrase (adjective phrase, after «be» or «stay»: be young at heart, stay young at heart); also noun use «the young at heart»

«young at heart» in the English dictionary: in the primary school — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## In the primary school

Source: Mova's pupils' dictionary. Licence: [Elamur Cosmic License](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/docs/LICENSE/). Reviewed: the dictionary the pupils of Mova's primary school read; its examples quote the lessons and public-domain tales. Ships with Mova.

### Meaning

1. (euphemism, polite) old, but lively, cheerful and fun in spirit, like a younger person.
2. having a youthful, playful mind at any age; enjoying games, fun and new things.

### In the lessons

Used kindly about older people, to avoid saying «old» and to praise their energy, often in adverts for clubs, holidays and toys («for kids and the young at heart»). Also said by older people about themselves, sometimes with a joke. Register: polite, warm; used everywhere English is spoken. Related: «not getting any younger», «senior», «golden years».

### Examples

- The club is open to everyone over sixty who is young at heart.
- Grandad still rides his skateboard — he's young at heart!
- Advert: A fun holiday for kids and the young at heart.
- Gran: «I may be eighty, but I'm young at heart.»
- Card: Happy birthday to someone who stays young at heart.
- Chat: «Is the theme park just for kids?» «Nah, for the young at heart too.»
- Story: The old teacher was young at heart and loved silly jokes.

### Note

Trap: it does not mean the person is young; it usually says they are older. Used about a young person, it means playful. It can sound like an advert or a bit «trying too hard» if overused. Plain word it softens: old, older. No hyphens after «be» («young at heart»), hyphens only before a noun («a young-at-heart grandad»).