old fogey

From Wiktionary, the free dictionary
Jump to navigation Jump to search

English[edit]

Alternative forms[edit]

Etymology[edit]

In 1811, an Old Fogey was a nickname for an invalid, wounded soldier; derived from the French fougueux (fierce or fiery).[1] Alternatively, compare fogey.

Pronunciation[edit]

  • (file)

Noun[edit]

old fogey (plural old fogies)

  1. (idiomatic) An old and overly conservative person.
    Synonyms: see Thesaurus:old person
    • 1922, Sinclair Lewis, chapter 28, in Babbitt, New York, N.Y.: Harcourt, Brace and Company, →OCLC:
      "No; the Athletic. Tell you: Course they're always asking me to join the Union, but I always say, 'No, sir! Nothing doing!' I don't mind the expense but I can't stand all the old fogies."

Related terms[edit]

Translations[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ [Francis] Grose [et al.] (1811) “Fogey”, in Lexicon Balatronicum. A Dictionary of Buckish Slang, University Wit, and Pickpocket Eloquence. [], London: [] C. Chappell, [], →OCLC.