# Olds

/ˈoʊɫdz/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/olds
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. parents

noun · CEFR C1 · British English · Informal · Slang

your parents, especially when you are talking to friends.

For teachers: one's parents. Plural in form and usually takes a plural verb.

- I'm going to visit the olds this weekend for my dad's birthday.
- He mentioned that he needed to check in with the olds before committing to the holiday plans, as they usually expected him home for Christmas.

Usage: Always used in the plural form with a definite article ('the olds').

### 2. older people

noun · CEFR C1 · Humorous · Slang

a funny way to describe people who are older than you or your friends.

For teachers: a collective term for individuals perceived as older than the speaker's peer group, often used to highlight a generational gap.

- The club was full of olds who didn't know any of the modern songs.
- The marketing campaign was clearly designed by people who think they understand teenagers, but it just comes across as 'olds' trying too hard.

Usage: Usually plural; often carries a slightly mocking or dismissive tone depending on context.

### 3. old news

noun · CEFR C2 · Humorous · Slang

information or stories that are not new anymore.

For teachers: information, news, or gossip that is no longer current or relevant.

- That story about the celebrity breakup is total olds; everyone knew last week.
- By the time the physical newspaper reached the stands, the lead story was already considered olds by the digital audience.

Usage: Uncountable; used as a humorous antonym to 'news'.

## Examples

- I am going to visit the olds this weekend.
- He decided to stay at a hotel rather than with the olds to avoid their early morning routine.
- While the term might seem dismissive to outsiders, he used it with a certain weary affection when describing his weekend trips to help the olds with their gardening.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.