What does fogeyish mean?
Fogeyish means having the attitudes, tastes, or behavior traditionally associated with old-fashioned or resistant-to-change people. It is commonly used to describe conservative opinions, attitudes toward culture or technology, and preferences that seem dated. The term generally carries a mildly disparaging tone: it suggests not merely that something is old, but that it remains attached to older conventions despite newer possibilities. Both people and practices can be called fogeyish, as in “a fogeyish attitude” or “a fogeyish institution.” The word is more pointed than simply old-fashioned because it often implies deliberate or habitual resistance to change. It can be useful when a speaker wants to characterize a cultural or generational divide without resorting to stronger personal insults, although its evaluative force should be recognized. The alternative spelling fogyish is also established in modern English.
adjectiveHaving the attitudes, tastes, or manner regarded as old-fashioned and resistant to change.
- Having attitudes, tastes, or behavior regarded as old-fashioned and resistant to change.
"His fogeyish views on modern art made the exhibition seem unexpectedly radical."
"The committee dismissed her proposal as fogeyish without considering its practical merits."
"Despite his fogeyish reputation, he was willing to modernize the organization."
With its gently disparaging ending in -ish, fogeyish turns being behind the times into a neatly two-syllable verdict.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of fogeyish
Fogeyish was formed during the 19th century by adding the suffix -ish to the noun fogey, meaning an old-fashioned person. The base word is also spelled fogy, and both older spellings remain in use. The ultimate origin of fogey is uncertain, so etymological accounts should not assign it a definite source without qualification.
Related word forms
How fogeyish is actually used
The word is generally mildly disparaging and is often used to characterize attitudes, behavior, tastes, or institutions perceived as resistant to change. The spelling fogyish is also common.
Easily confused with fogeyish
Fogeyish means old-fashioned or resistant to change, whereas foggy means covered or filled with fog.
Fogy is a noun meaning an old-fashioned person, while fogeyish is the corresponding adjective.