# Are you familiar with the term ‘granny parking’ and if so, how would you define it? (Upd name: Batman parking) **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [December 4, 2021, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-familiar-with-the-term-granny-parking-and-if-so-how-would-you-define-it-upd-name-batman-parking/955513 "2021-12-04T19:40:20Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![solost](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/solost/32/11776_2.png) [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2021, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-familiar-with-the-term-granny-parking-and-if-so-how-would-you-define-it-upd-name-batman-parking/955513/61 "2021-12-05T15:42:10Z")
Ok, seems pretty universal that it’s just a local wifeism. > [@Icarus](#): > > Also SE Michigan, also granny aged, also never heard term. OP’s spouse is “confidently incorrect” in saying “everyone knows”. To be fair, it was a little good-natured busting of chops on her part as well. Plus she’s usually right about everything, or should I say, “confidently correct”. ---
**Author:** ![Wheelz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wheelz/32/5718_2.png) [@Wheelz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wheelz)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2021, 3:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-familiar-with-the-term-granny-parking-and-if-so-how-would-you-define-it-upd-name-batman-parking/955513/62 "2021-12-05T15:59:18Z")
Never heard the term before. I would have guessed it meant parking across the lines or otherwise haphazardly. Back-in parking is something I never do. I get that it makes it easier to leave the parking spot, but you’re just trading the very small inconvenience of backing out for the much larger inconvenience of backing _in_. It’s not worth it, IMO. ---
**Author:** ![solost](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/solost/32/11776_2.png) [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2021, 4:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-familiar-with-the-term-granny-parking-and-if-so-how-would-you-define-it-upd-name-batman-parking/955513/63 "2021-12-05T16:09:51Z")
> [@Wheelz](#): > > Back-in parking is something I never do. I get that it makes it easier to leave the parking spot, but you’re just trading the very small inconvenience of backing out for the much larger inconvenience of backing _in_ . It’s not worth it, IMO. At least when backing into a space in the parking lot you’re much less likely to hit someone who’s also moving and not paying attention to you. I park front-in at the grocery store so my tailgate is accessible, and I don’t know how many times I’ve had near-misses when backing out because someone else is backing out and not paying attention to me, or someone is speeding down the aisle way too fast and also not paying attention. ---
**Author:** ![Galactus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/galactus/32/3581_2.png) [@Galactus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Galactus)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2021, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-familiar-with-the-term-granny-parking-and-if-so-how-would-you-define-it-upd-name-batman-parking/955513/64 "2021-12-05T16:39:36Z")
From SW Michigan here. Never heard of granny parking. The people I usually see backing in are pick-up truck drivers. ---
**Author:** ![Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/elmer_j.fudd/32/1211_2.png) [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elmer_J.Fudd)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2021, 4:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-familiar-with-the-term-granny-parking-and-if-so-how-would-you-define-it-upd-name-batman-parking/955513/65 "2021-12-05T16:52:14Z")
Yeah, if you have a long vehicle like a truck, it’s easier to turn into a parking space straight if you do it in reverse. ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2021, 4:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-familiar-with-the-term-granny-parking-and-if-so-how-would-you-define-it-upd-name-batman-parking/955513/66 "2021-12-05T16:57:32Z")
> [@HMS\_Irruncible](#): > > Personally I’d call it “sensible parking”, because it’s a safer way to park, provided you have the very minimal parking skills required to do it. IME, a substantial number of drivers in my area who back in to park are lacking even those very minimal skills. ☹ ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2021, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-familiar-with-the-term-granny-parking-and-if-so-how-would-you-define-it-upd-name-batman-parking/955513/67 "2021-12-05T17:11:28Z")
> [@MrDibble](#): > > Does the state test guide have hill starts, 3-point turns and emergency braking? Yes, my state has all of these elements in the road test. You’re also supposed to know how to park on a hill. One website (not an official one) advises backing into a parking space at the state police facility when arriving for your road test, to avoid stress when the test starts. You’d think it would _add_ stress if the only parking spaces were surrounded by other vehicles and tense applicants feared grazing other cars while backing in. \*On the list of “automatic road test fails” is a situation where the examiner takes control of your vehicle as a result of hazardous operation. How picky. ---
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2021, 6:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-familiar-with-the-term-granny-parking-and-if-so-how-would-you-define-it-upd-name-batman-parking/955513/68 "2021-12-05T18:07:09Z")
> [@solost](#): > > SE Michigan, metro Detroit are specifically. My wife and I both grew up in this are and she seems to think it’s a common term and I never heard of it. I suspect it’s a term she picked up from her family perhaps. I call bullshit (in a good-natured way) on your wife. Someone in her family probably invented the term. A term which, as previously discussed, makes zero sense. mmm ---
**Author:** ![elfkin477](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/a9a28c/32.png) [@elfkin477](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elfkin477)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2021, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-familiar-with-the-term-granny-parking-and-if-so-how-would-you-define-it-upd-name-batman-parking/955513/69 "2021-12-05T19:59:33Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > > [@3AxisCtrl](#): > > > > But I’m surprised to hear that some people find “pull-through” parking objectionable, and am puzzled to think of any valid basis for this. Anyone know what this might be? > > In states like Pennsylvania where cars only have license plates on the rear, if the police go through a lot scanning plates it can be an issue. Oh! I’ve never heard this term and virtually everyone I know of all ages pulls through whenever possible because why wouldn’t you so you can easily see while leaving? However, in this state it’ll illegal not to have both front and rear plates displayed so the scanning problem obviously not an issue here. As for the OP’s question, I’ve never heard the term either. My guess was that’d it be the little old ladies who s-l-o-w-l-y inch their cars forward until they just barely touch the bumper of the car facing them, then back up a couple of feet. There’s no term for _that_ here either, but it’s something I’ve seen several times, so… ---
**Author:** ![mjmlabs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mjmlabs/32/69_2.png) [@mjmlabs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mjmlabs)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2021, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-familiar-with-the-term-granny-parking-and-if-so-how-would-you-define-it-upd-name-batman-parking/955513/70 "2021-12-05T21:01:41Z")
> [@3AxisCtrl](#): > > … I’m surprised to hear that some people find “pull-through” parking objectionable, and am puzzled to think of any valid basis for this. Anyone know what this might be? The rationale I’ve heard most often is that there may very well be another vehicle about to pull into your planned parking space _from the other side_ unseen by you (given the prevalence of SUVs and the like these days), and that could result in a fender-bender and/or some interpersonal conflict between the other driver and “the asshole who stole my spot,” _i.e._, you. ---
**Author:** ![Senegoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senegoid/32/6606_2.png) [@Senegoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Senegoid)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2021, 11:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-familiar-with-the-term-granny-parking-and-if-so-how-would-you-define-it-upd-name-batman-parking/955513/71 "2021-12-05T23:35:51Z")
These are the arguments I’ve seen against backing into a parking space: (1) Depending on the configuration of the parking lot, as you back in there will be one of three things behind you: (a) another car in the next aisle; (b) a walkway, or (c) a wall. It is alleged that drivers backing in, being typically insufficiently skilled at doing so, will bump into the wall or car behind. (2) In the case that there is a walkway behind: Note that cars stick out farther in back behind the rear wheels than they do in front beyond the front wheels. If there is a walkway, then there is probably also a curb at the back of the parking space. Drivers will back up until they touch that curb, and the back end of the car will project into the walkway, obstructing it (more so than if the car heads in). In my case, I always back in until I touch the curb, and then pull forward a few inches. ETA: Example of typical car: Note it stick out farther in the back than in the front: [https://media.istockphoto.com/photos/illustration-of-generic-red-sedan-car-on-white-picture-id946459708](https://media.istockphoto.com/photos/illustration-of-generic-red-sedan-car-on-white-picture-id946459708) ---
**Author:** ![needscoffee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/needscoffee/32/1076_2.png) [@needscoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/needscoffee)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2021, 11:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-familiar-with-the-term-granny-parking-and-if-so-how-would-you-define-it-upd-name-batman-parking/955513/72 "2021-12-05T23:48:40Z")
> [@Senegoid](#): > > It is alleged that drivers backing in, being typically insufficiently skilled at doing so, will bump into the wall or car behind. Yet most people manage to parallel park (backing in) without hitting the car behind them all the time. ---
**Author:** ![Senegoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senegoid/32/6606_2.png) [@Senegoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Senegoid)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2021, 11:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-familiar-with-the-term-granny-parking-and-if-so-how-would-you-define-it-upd-name-batman-parking/955513/73 "2021-12-05T23:53:14Z")
> [@needscoffee](#): > > Yet most people manage to parallel park (backing in) without hitting the car behind them all the time.   Yes, and how in the world is it possible? I tells ya, it’s a mystery right up there with how bumblebees can fly! ---
**Author:** ![Projammer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/projammer/32/559_2.png) [@Projammer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Projammer)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2021, 12:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-familiar-with-the-term-granny-parking-and-if-so-how-would-you-define-it-upd-name-batman-parking/955513/74 "2021-12-06T00:11:32Z")
> [@Jackmannii](#): > > I would’ve figured “granny parking” was taking innumerable ultra-tiny repetitive maneuvers in order to fit into a parallel parking space, thus driving everyone waiting behind you crazy. This was similar to my guess except that I would have expanded it to include any parking with innumerable adjustments to get in exactly the right position. Backing into a parking place has always been referred to as ‘combat parking’ for everyone it’s ever been a topic of conversation with around me. And it’s been my preferred mode for 35 years now. ETA Googling ‘granny parking’ resulted in no matching hits while ‘combat parking’ yielded pages. ---
**Author:** ![E-DUB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/e-dub/32/403_2.png) [@E-DUB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/E-DUB)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2021, 12:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-familiar-with-the-term-granny-parking-and-if-so-how-would-you-define-it-upd-name-batman-parking/955513/75 "2021-12-06T00:30:56Z")
Lifelong Wayne and Oakland resident as well. Never heard it either. ---
**Author:** ![lobotomyboy63](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lobotomyboy63/32/2900_2.png) [@lobotomyboy63](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lobotomyboy63)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2021, 12:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-familiar-with-the-term-granny-parking-and-if-so-how-would-you-define-it-upd-name-batman-parking/955513/76 "2021-12-06T00:51:06Z")
Never heard of it. I would have guessed it was slow and/or imprecise, somehow annoying to other motorists. ---
**Author:** ![Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/elmer_j.fudd/32/1211_2.png) [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elmer_J.Fudd)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2021, 1:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-familiar-with-the-term-granny-parking-and-if-so-how-would-you-define-it-upd-name-batman-parking/955513/77 "2021-12-06T01:59:29Z")
Why the assumption that grannies are bad drivers? Same with granny knots to describe an inferior knot. My granny could parallel park and macrame a tea cozy at the same time. ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2021, 2:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-familiar-with-the-term-granny-parking-and-if-so-how-would-you-define-it-upd-name-batman-parking/955513/78 "2021-12-06T02:38:49Z")
Just wanted to make it unanimous and say I’ve never heard of it. I guessed wrong and would never have guessed it correctly because it makes no sense. ---
**Author:** ![BippityBoppityBoo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bippityboppityboo/32/5745_2.png) [@BippityBoppityBoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BippityBoppityBoo)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2021, 2:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-familiar-with-the-term-granny-parking-and-if-so-how-would-you-define-it-upd-name-batman-parking/955513/79 "2021-12-06T02:43:40Z")
> [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](#): > > My granny could parallel park and macrame a tea cozy at the same time. This granny thanks you 😘 ---
**Author:** ![Mama\_Zappa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/71e660/32.png) [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2021, 3:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-familiar-with-the-term-granny-parking-and-if-so-how-would-you-define-it-upd-name-batman-parking/955513/80 "2021-12-06T03:14:50Z")
Never heard the term either. I’d have guessed it to be a zillions-of-iterations version, or badly across the lines, or some such. Backing in is more of a jerkish thing to do in a busy lot, as it typically takes longer than backing out does. Maybe it’s faster / easier with a car equipped with assorted cameras. Pulling through, on the other hand, I’ll do when I get the chance - though invariably this will result in my coming out with a cartload of groceries, and having a lot of trouble loading them into the back as a result :). [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-familiar-with-the-term-granny-parking-and-if-so-how-would-you-define-it-upd-name-batman-parking/955513.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-familiar-with-the-term-granny-parking-and-if-so-how-would-you-define-it-upd-name-batman-parking/955513.md?page=5)