Are you looking for a suitable movie for the entire family to watch this evening? You could say you’re searching for “family-orientated” entertainment. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.
Meaning
The expression “family-orientated” means that the content, venue, politics, or stimulus received from an offer is suitable for the entire family and people of all age groups. If you ask someone if the movie is “family-orientated,” you ask them if it’s suitable for young children and adults.
Similarly, if you visit a restaurant to make a booking, you could ask them if they are “family-orientated.” A family-orientated restaurant would have amenities for kids, like a play park and a kids menu, perhaps with coloring crayons and other stuff to keep the kids entertained while the adults enjoy themselves.
Being a “family-orientated” person means that you have a state of mind where you put your family first in all situations. You make your decisions based on the greater good for the prosperity of your family in the future.
People with a strong family-orientated personality usually come from a very community-oriented lifestyle, or they have a strong religious influence in their life. A family-oriented mother or father will only do activities that include the entire family, and they don’t like leaving their kids alone.
Example Usage
“Tom is such a family-orientated man. He never comes out with us for beers on a weeknight, and he never leaves his family unattended anywhere he goes.”
“This channel is the best resource for top-quality, family-orientated entertainment. They have all the classics, including The Lion King and The Little Mermaid.”
“If you’re looking for a family-orientated vacation experience, you better go elsewhere. Bringing kids to Vegas is not family-friendly.”
“This family-orientated model is what you’re looking for in a new boat. You get plenty of space for everyone and plenty of safety features for the kids.”
“That was not what I would call a family-orientated experience. They should have placed a PG13 sticker on that at least.”
“If you’re looking for a great family-orientated restaurant for his birthday party, take him to Del Frescos. They have an outdoor play area for the kids.”
Origin
The expression "family-orientated" has unknown origins. Language experts are unsure when the phrase entered the modern language.
However, some believe that it started to appear in the 60s, with the advent of cinema entertainment geared toward the entire family. At the time, restaurants were also changing, offering family-orientated experiences, such as Mcdonald's "Play Place."
However, the idea of family-centered communications, experiences, and behavior is ancient. The Ancient Romans notably called their society "the way of the elders." The Indian people and the Hindus in Dharma referred to life as "the way of mammals," where deities follow these sequences in life.
Family-friendly became a more user-friendly version of family-orientated sometime in the nineties and is the more commonly used version of the saying in modern language.
Phrases Similar to Family Oriented
- Family-friendly.
- Family man.
Phrases Opposite to Family Oriented
- Adult entertainment.
- Not suitable for all ages.
- Restricted content.
What is the Correct Saying?
- Family-orientated.
Ways People May Say Family Oriented Incorrectly
The phrase doesn’t refer to dynamics inside the family. It means that a person builds their life around their family or content suitable for all family members.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase Family Oriented
You can use the saying “family-oriented” when describing content or services suitable for children. It’s a way of saying entertainment or services geared towards providing a bonding experience for the entire family in all age demographics.
People also call “family-orientated” entertainment “family-friendly,” and both sayings have the same meaning. You could use it to ask the hotel if they are a family-oriented establishment. Or you could use it to describe how a movie was family-orientated.”
The phrase also describes behavior in people, so you could use the saying to say how someone is family-oriented, and their family is the most important thing in their life.