grownup

Grownup is a common, informal term for an adult person. It connotes not only legal adulthood but also the social and developmental status of someone deemed capable of independent decision making and responsibility. The term is often used to contrast with childhood or adolescence.

Legal definition: The age at which a person is recognized as an adult, the age of majority, varies by country and jurisdiction. In many places it is 18, but some countries set it at 19 or 21. Legal adulthood generally grants capacity to enter contracts, sue or be sued, vote, marry without parental consent, and join the military; it may also determine the start of certain rights and responsibilities, such as tax status or drinking age, which can differ from the age of majority.

Developmental and psychological aspects: While physical and most cognitive maturation typically completes by early adulthood, some aspects of self-regulation and executive function continue to mature into the mid-20s. The term emerging adulthood describes a life phase roughly from ages 18 to 25 characterized by exploration of identity, work, and relationships before assuming full adult responsibilities.

Cultural and social variation: Cultures differ in when and how someone is considered a grownup. Some societies emphasize financial independence, family formation, or education status as markers; others emphasize rites of passage or formal milestones. The concept of grownup is thus both a legal category and a social construct.