ENGLISH
REFERENCE

young fogey

idiom
Meaning

A young and overly conservative person.


Origin

disputed origin

young + fogey

Examples
SIMPLE

He is a young fogey who prefers classical music to pop.

CONTEXTUAL

My brother is such a young fogey that he refuses to use a smartphone or social media.

COMPLEX

Despite his youth, he acted like a young fogey, criticizing modern trends and longing for the traditional values of a bygone era.

Anchors to
Related idioms7entries
  1. 01

    bright young thing

    One who is youthful, clever, eager, and high-spirited in manner and attractive in appearance.

  2. 02

    old fogey

    An old and overly conservative person.

  3. 03

    old head on young shoulders

    Alternative form of good head on one's shoulders.

  4. 04

    sweet young thing

    An attractive young woman.

  5. 05

    young at heart

    Having the joy and vitality associated with younger people, despite one's own advanced age.

  6. 06

    young blood

    Young or youthful people, especially as a source of revitalizing force (in a team, organization, etc.).

  7. 07

    young Turk

    A young person who agitates for political or other reform; a young person with a rebellious disposition.

Last updated April 17, 2026