cupboard love

noun

1. a personal attachment that appears to be motivated by love but in fact stems from the hope of gain.

cupboard love

noun

1. a show of love inspired only by some selfish or greedy motive

Other Words From

• cupboard lover noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of cupboard love¹

First recorded in 1750–60

Example Sentences

I’m someone whose “love language” is often wrapped up with food, so cupboard love does not strike a particularly false note with me.

From New York Times

Cupboard love is not always held up as a very pure form of love.

From New York Times

In the absence of such discussion, may I present three ways to remind someone why they love you: the general concept of cupboard love; the very specific qualities of butter; and the particularly special advantages of brown butter?

From New York Times

Ancient Greeks had no word for cupboard love, but, undoubtedly, this is a love the vast majority of animal pets may feel for us.

From The Guardian

Something that intrigues us pet owners is whether our animals feel “cupboard love” for us—or real love.

From National Geographic