ENGLISH
REFERENCE

old fogey

idiom
Meaning

An old and overly conservative person.


Origin

first recorded 19th c.

In 1811, an Old Fogey was a nickname for an invalid, wounded soldier; derived from the French fougueux (“fierce or fiery”). Alternatively, compare fogey.

Examples
SIMPLE

Don't be such an old fogey about the new music.

CONTEXTUAL

My grandfather is a bit of an old fogey who refuses to use a smartphone.

COMPLEX

Despite his relative youth, he acted like an old fogey, constantly complaining that modern technology had ruined the art of conversation.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    any old nook or cranny

    Alternative form of any nook or cranny.

  2. 02

    bad old days

    The past, seen as a time when things were worse.

  3. 03

    big old

    Emphatically or impressively big; really big.

  4. 04

    chip off the old block

    Someone who takes after one of their parents; (generally) a person similar to another.

  5. 05

    come the old soldier

    Often followed by with: to deceive, impose upon, or take advantage of someone, as if exploiting one's superior age or experience.

  6. 06

    every old nook and cranny

    Alternative form of every nook and cranny.

  7. 07

    give someone the old heave-ho

    Alternative form of give someone the heave-ho.

  8. 08

    green old age

    A person's elderly years that are active or full of vitality.

Last updated April 17, 2026