silver fox

American  

[sil-ver foks] / ˈsɪl vər ˈfɒks /

noun

1. a red fox in the color phase in which the fur is black with silver-gray ends on the longer hairs.

2. an attractive older person with gray or silver hair, especially a man.

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silver fox British  

noun

1. an American red fox in a colour phase in which the fur is black with long silver-tipped hairs

2. the valuable fur or pelt of this animal

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Usage

What else does silver fox mean? A silver fox is a slang term for an older man, generally with gray or graying hair, who is considered attractive, charming, and classy.How is term pronounced?[ sil-ver foks ]

Etymology

Origin of silver fox

First recorded in 1760–70

Example Sentences

Earlier this year, Pine had a slight edge with his new, short "silver fox" look which he debuted at the "Don't Worry Darling" premiere.

From Salon • Nov. 10, 2022

"You've got a silver fox, mine's more a white walker," he joked.

From BBC • Sep. 24, 2021

“Old silver fox Helio. You know he paints his hair? I’m telling you,” two-time IndyCar champ Josef Newgarden said.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 4, 2021

Thanks to an unknown alchemist from back in Europe’s Iron Age, Walter Jameson has lived over two millennia as a perfectly debonair silver fox, forever on the cusp of middle age.

From Slate • Dec. 31, 2019

“The High King Balekin is a friend to my lady’s Court,” Cardan says, silver-tongued in his silver fox mask.

From "The Cruel Prince" by Holly Black