fogey

Definition

A dull person (especially an old man) who is behind the times, holding antiquated, over-conservative views.

Etymology

Borrowed from Scots foggie, fogie (noun), perhaps derived from Scots foggie (“covered with moss or lichen; mossy", hence "old, antiquated, decrepit”, adjective), from Scots fog (“moss; lichen”), equivalent to fog (“moss”) + -y. Further origin uncertain. More at fog.

Example Sentences

• "[T]he old fogies, as you call them, at Bays’s, are some of the first gentlemen in England, of whom you youngsters had best learn a little manners, and a little breeding, and a little modesty."
• ""You've heard of him, of course?" "I'm rather an old fogey, as Caroline tells me," I said, "but I have just heard of him.""