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

Example Sentences

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 Literature

“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

When I asked Winston how she and others had made the shirts so quickly, she looked at me like the codger I am:

From Los Angeles Times

Like the colonoscopy-conversing codgers in “The Chair,” Professor Cassovan presents as a familiar comic figure: the elderly curmudgeon upholding antiquated ideals.

From New York Times

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