mossback

American  

[maws-bak, mos-] / ˈmɔsˌbæk, ˈmɒs- /

noun

1. Informal.

   1. a person holding very antiquated notions; reactionary.

   2. a person living in the backwoods; rustic.

2. an old turtle.

3. Angling. a large and old fish, as a bass.

4. a wild bull or cow.

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mossback British  

/ ˈmɒsˌbæk /

noun

1. an old turtle, shellfish, etc, that has a growth of algae on its back

2. informal a provincial or conservative person

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Other Word Forms

• mossbacked adjective

Etymology

Origin of mossback

An Americanism dating back to 1870–75; moss + back ¹

Example Sentences

Whether proud mossbacks or fresh transplants, Pacific Northwesterners value the bounty of our lush evergreen state.

From Seattle Times

Cool as cucumber seltzer, the hometown favorites helped the still-gathering crowd beat the midday heat as temperatures approached 80 degrees — desertlike conditions for resident mossbacks.

From Seattle Times

In true mossback fashion, he bought a plot of land on a particularly damp section of the island because he loved the rain.

From Seattle Times

Newcomers eager to burnish their Seattle credentials and mossbacks looking for a refresher course will find plenty to like at the museum affectionately known as MOHAI.

From Seattle Times

Tourism and hospitality: This was one of the hardest-hit sectors during the pandemic, and as much as mossbacks hate it Seattle is a big tourism town.

From Seattle Times