Victorian disease
Definition
A colloquial term, popularized in recent UK media, for infectious diseases prevalent during the Victorian era (1837–1901) that are experiencing a modern resurgence due to factors like poverty, poor hygiene, or strained healthcare systems; examples include scabies, rickets, scarlet fever, and tuberculosis.
Figuratively, any outdated social ill or prudish attitude reminiscent of Victorian morality, though primarily used literally for health epidemics.
Examples
Just when we thought we'd escaped the corsets and top hats, scabies – the ultimate Victorian disease – is making a stylish comeback in modern hostels.
Doctors are battling a sneaky Victorian disease outbreak, proving that rickets doesn't care about your gluten-free diet or Peloton subscription.
In a plot twist worthy of Dickens, scarlet fever, that pesky Victorian disease, is spiking again – because nothing says 'post-pandemic vibes' like 19th-century fever dreams.
Forget TikTok trends; the real viral sensation is this Victorian disease called TB creeping back, reminding us hygiene is eternal.