Definition
A clause in new legislation that exempts existing practices or entities from the new rules, allowing them to continue old ways while everyone else must comply. Special treatment dressed up as compassion.
Example Usage
The new environmental regulation grandfathered existing coal plants, allowing them to operate without the stricter emissions standards.
Origin
From 'grandfather clause,' originally referring to voting restrictions that exempted those whose grandfathers could vote
Fun Fact
Grandfather clauses often undermine the effectiveness of new regulations by allowing legacy operations to continue polluting or violating standards.
Source: Legislative and regulatory terminology
Related Terms
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See “Grandfathered” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.
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