fogy

American  

[foh-gee] / ˈfoʊ gi /

Or fogey

noun

plural

fogies

1. an excessively conservative or old-fashioned person, especially one who is intellectually dull (usually preceded byold ).

   The board of directors were old fogies still living in the 19th century.

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Other Word Forms

• fogyish adjective
• fogyism noun

Etymology

Origin of fogy

First recorded in 1770–80; origin uncertain

Explanation

A fogy is an old fashioned, boring, unstylish person. You might accuse your dad of being an old fogy if he tells you to turn down your music. You can spell the word fogy or fogey — either way, you're probably talking about an older person, and you're definitely talking about a dull, conservative person. The word comes from the Scottish foggie, and it originally meant "an army veteran." Fogy may be related to the antiquated slang word fogram, "old fashioned person," or from an early, now obscure meaning of fog, "bloated fat."

Example Sentences

Consequently, throughout the 1970s and ’80s Wilson was viewed as a Tory, a young fogy.

From Washington Post • Nov. 23, 2022

But Laurent Pelly’s searing staging, produced with the Vienna State Opera, crisply played and superbly cast, showed that a fogy can burn with as much — if not more — fire as something fresh.

From New York Times • Sep. 24, 2018

I comfortably describe myself as an old fogy.

From Slate • Feb. 6, 2018

Simply being young does not guarantee immunity from the frustratingly crusty decisions of a stereotypical fogy.

From New York Times • May 19, 2013

"What a musty old fogy he would be, by the time he had gone half through!" said Judy.

From Trading by Warner, Susan