codger

American  

[koj-er] / ˈkɒdʒ ər /

noun

1. an eccentric man, especially one who is old.

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codger British  

/ ˈkɒdʒə /

noun

1. informal a man, esp an old or eccentric one: a term of affection or mild derision (often in the phrase old codger )

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Etymology

Origin of codger

1750–60; perhaps variant of obsolete cadger; cadge ¹

Explanation

A codger is an endearing old guy. Your tiny, eccentric grandfather might be thought of as a codger by his neighbors. You can use codger to talk about a funny old man, especially if you're fond of him. While it's common for codger to be a term of affection, it may be seen as derogatory by the person labeled that way, so it's best to use it cautiously. You might laugh with your siblings about the codger next door, but you should probably do it quietly. The word stems from cadger, which is a now-obsolete word for "beggar."

Example Sentences

“Thelma,” a mildly amusing, highly improbable codger comedy, is so typical of a certain kind of Sundance movie — sentimental, quirky, ingratiatingly likable — that it feels instantly familiar.

From New York Times • Jun. 20, 2024

In his later years, he perfected a reliably funny old codger persona in films such as “Grudge Match,” “Million Dollar Arm,” “Bojack Horseman,” “Going In Style” and the Emmy-nominated Netflix comedy “The Kominsky Method.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 30, 2023

That old codger will coach in a fresh place after all this time: the Golden State Warriors’ house by the Central Basin of the San Francisco Bay, a 2½-year-old toddler among arenas.

From Washington Post • Mar. 20, 2022

Johnson says that you have three options when it comes to adoption: “another old codger, a pair of kittens, or nothing at all.”

From Slate • May 30, 2019

Looking at Grandpa, Mama said, “Papa, this is the silliest thing I ever heard of, an old codger like you, going to town to read monkey books.”

From "Summer of the Monkeys" by Wilson Rawls