fuddy-duddy

American  

[fuhd-ee-duhd-ee, -duhd-ee] / ˈfʌd iˌdʌd i, -ˈdʌd i /

noun

plural

fuddy-duddies

1. a person who is stuffy, old-fashioned, and conservative.

2. a person who is fussy or picayune about details; fussbudget.

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adjective

1. stuffy, old-fashioned, and conservative.

2. fussy; picayune.

fuddy-duddy British  

/ ˈfʌdɪˌdʌdɪ /

noun

1. informal a person, esp an elderly one, who is extremely conservative or dull

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Etymology

Origin of fuddy-duddy

First recorded in 1900–05; of obscure origin

Explanation

An old-fashioned, fussy person can be called a fuddy-duddy. You might accuse your best friend of being a fuddy-duddy if she prefers staying home drinking tea and reading on Saturday nights, instead of going dancing with you. A fuddy-duddy has no sense of humor and is disapproving and a bit pompous. Fuddy-duddies seem dull and conservative, overly careful, and critical of other people's decisions. While we know fuddy-duddy first appeared in print in the late 1800s, and that it originated in the United States, its origin is a mystery.

Example Sentences

And not to be a fuddy-duddy, but I can think of many better uses, including using that desire to connect with people to motivate charity work, political organizing, or just throwing a dinner party.

From Salon • Jan. 19, 2025

Richard Martin says: "It was the 60s, the government wanted to be modern and thrusting, it wanted to get rid of old fuddy-duddy stuff."

From BBC • Jan. 29, 2023

“She’s always very smartly turned out but appropriate for her age. Not so fuddy-duddy as she used to be.’

From Seattle Times • Jul. 16, 2022

Second comes the flash of unexpected delight — surprise that an old fuddy-duddy cocktail your grandparents drank could taste so good.

From New York Times • Feb. 24, 2022

Peacock But, I don't propose to marry my daughter to some old fuddy-duddy.

From La Tontine by Le Sage, Alain René