General
grandfather
What does grandfather mean?
To exempt existing users or cases from a new rule, letting them continue under the old one.
"Current subscribers are grandfathered into the old price."
Origin
From 'grandfather clause' in post-Reconstruction US law.
Frequently asked questions
What does it mean to grandfather someone in?
It means to let existing users or cases keep the old terms when a new rule takes effect, exempting them from the change.
Where does 'grandfather' in this sense come from?
From the 'grandfather clause' in post-Reconstruction US law, which exempted certain voters from new restrictions if their ancestors had voted.
How is it used at work?
Usually about pricing or policy, e.g. 'Long-time customers are grandfathered into the lower rate.'
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