Phrase guide

old fogey

noun · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

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Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

An old and overly conservative person.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: ager, antique, badge-cove, cheeser, coffin dodger, crinkly, eld, elder, elderly, geriatric, genarian, geezer, grayhead, greyhead, hoarhead, mzee, old, no spring chicken, old timer, old-timer, oldtimer, older adult, oldie, oldster, senior, senior citizen, silver top, twirly, weazen, wrinkly

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

In 1811, an Old Fogey was a nickname for an invalid, wounded soldier; derived from the French fougueux (“fierce or fiery”). Alternatively, compare fogey.