Phrase guide

stick in the mud

noun · 2 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.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • /ˈstɪk.ɪn.ðəˌmʌd/
  • US: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
  • Australia: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.

1

noun

Meaning 1

A person unwilling to participate in activities; a curmudgeon or party pooper.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: derogatory, idiomatic

Examples

  • Have a little fun sometimes and don't be such a stick-in-the-mud.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

More generally, one who is slow, old-fashioned, or unprogressive; an old fogey.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: derogatory, idiomatic

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

4 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Polish: beton — one who is slow, old-fashioned, or unprogressive
  • Spanish: de ideas fijas — one who is slow, old-fashioned, or unprogressive
  • Spanish: dinosaurio — one who is slow, old-fashioned, or unprogressive
  • Spanish: cerrado — one who is slow, old-fashioned, or unprogressive