PhrasesHub

Old fogey

    Definitions

      • to criticize someone for being old-fashioned or out of touch with modern ideas or ways of doing things
        to describe someone who is seen as being too traditional or set in their ways, often in a negative or mocking way

      • an old person, especially one who is conservative or old-fashioned in their views
        to refer to an elderly person, usually in a lighthearted or teasing manner

    Examples of Old fogey

    • The old-fashioned professor, with his waistcoat and antique books, is something of an old fogey.

      The phrase "old fogey" refers to a person who is old-fashioned and outdated in their beliefs and habits. The example provided is of a traditional professor who wears a waistcoat and uses old, outdated textbooks, making him seem old-fashioned and outdated as well.

    • My grandma, who still listens to vinyl records and insists on using a rotary phone, is as old-fashioned as they come.

      Just as the previous example involved an old-fashioned professor, this example involves an old-fashioned grandma. The grandma is described as someone who still listens to vinyl records and uses a rotary phone, which are both outdated technologies. This makes her seem outdated and old-fashioned, or an "old fogey."

    • The old-fashioned values of hard work, honesty, and loyalty often seem like a thing of the past, but they are still admirable qualities in today's world.

      In this example, "old-fashioned" is used to describe certain values, which are deemed outdated by some people. However, the example shows that those values, while perhaps declining in popularity, are still admirable and worthy of respect.

    • Some politicians prefer to rely on old-fashioned campaign tactics, such as door-knocking and handshake meetings, instead of the newfangled methods of social media and digital ads.

      Here, "old-fashioned" is used to describe a specific set of campaign tactics, which are perceived as outdated. This example highlights a preference for these traditional methods over newer, more modern ones.

    • The old-fashioned professor, with his tweed jacket and pipe, was a true old fogey in every sense of the word. He refused to use computers in his classes and strictly adhered to traditional methods of teaching.

      An old fogey is a person who is old-fashioned, conservative, and resistant to change. In this example, the professor embodies these qualities by refusing to embrace modern technology in his teaching methods.

    • The retired military officer would often reminisce about the old days, with stories about the way things used to be. He was an old fogey when it came to nostalgia, unwilling to let go of the past.

      In this example, old fogey is used to describe someone who is excessively nostalgic and longs for the way things used to be.

    • The old man sat on his porch, staring off into the distance with a look of nostalgia. He was an old fogey when it came to sentimentality, clinging tightly to his memories.

      Similar to the previous example, old fogey in this context describes someone who is overly sentimental and nostalgic, holding onto past experiences tightly.

    • My grandfather was an old fogey when it came to technology, refusing to use a computer or smartphone. He preferred to communicate via snail mail and landline phone, believing that modern technology was unnecessary and impersonal.

      Here, old fogey refers to someone who is outdated and resistant to modern technology or progress, preferring traditional methods instead.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "old fogey" is used to either criticize someone for being old-fashioned or to refer to an elderly person in a lighthearted or teasing manner. It is often used to describe someone who is seen as being too traditional or set in their ways, and can be used both in a negative or mocking way, as well as in a more affectionate or playful manner.

    Origin of "Old fogey"

    The origin of the term "old fogey" is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in England in the late 18th or early 19th century. The word "fogey" itself is thought to have come from the term "foggy," which was used to describe someone who was old and feeble. Over time, the term "old fogey" came to be used to refer to someone who was seen as being old-fashioned or out of touch with modern ideas. The word "fogey" may have also been influenced by the word "fog," which can be used to describe something that is old or hazy. The term has since become a popular and widely recognized idiom for describing someone who is seen as being too traditional or conservative in their views.

    Overall, the idiom "old fogey" is a colorful and expressive way to describe someone who is perceived as being old-fashioned or out of touch with modern ways of thinking.