Code Nanny
Noun · Slang & Abbreviations
Definitions
A joking term for a tool, reviewer, or policy that constantly tells developers what they should and should not do in the code. In engineering slang, code nanny can be affectionate when the rules are useful or annoyed when the policing feels excessive.
In plain English: A tool or reviewer that constantly enforces coding rules.
Example: "The formatter plus lint rules had become a code nanny, catching whole categories of mistakes but also nitpicking stylistic choices people barely cared about."