What does fogeyism mean?
Fogeyism is the systematic attachment to old-fashioned beliefs, institutions, tastes, or methods, especially to the point of resisting change. Unlike fogey, which names an old-fashioned person, fogeyism focuses on the attitudes and practices associated with such resistance. The term is often used in social and cultural criticism to describe opposition to reform, technological change, or new artistic ideas. It usually carries a mildly disparaging tone rather than expressing neutral approval of tradition. The word can also characterize an entrenched institutional culture that treats established practice as preferable to experimentation. In careful writing, fogeyism generally implies more than ordinary conservatism: it suggests inflexibility, nostalgia, or deliberate resistance to innovation. The term is understood in both British and American English and is chiefly used in argument, criticism, and cultural commentary.
nounAttachment to old-fashioned beliefs, institutions, tastes, or methods, especially when marked by an unwillingness to accept change. The term is often mildly disparaging and suggests inflexibility rather than a simple preference for tradition.
- Attachment to old-fashioned beliefs, institutions, tastes, or methods, especially to the point of resisting meaningful change.
"Critics dismissed the committee's resistance to modernization as institutional fogeyism."
"The speech was criticized as an exercise in political fogeyism."
"Her opposition to experimental music reflected a broader resistance to cultural fogeyism."
The plural is uncommon but can be used for distinct examples or manifestations of conservative or old-fashioned attitudes.
"The book examines several fogeyisms in the publishing industry."
Fogeyism is conservatism with a backward glance—and a fogey is the person supposedly doing the looking.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of fogeyism
Fogeyism was formed in English by adding the suffix -ism to fogey, a term for an old-fashioned or conservative person. Fogey is attested from the early nineteenth century, although its ultimate origin is uncertain, and it has also been spelled fogy. The derived noun uses the characteristic -ism formation to denote the attitudes or principles associated with fogeys.
How fogeyism is actually used
The noun usually carries a dismissive or critical connotation, implying that adherence to the past is excessive or obstructive. It can function as a mass noun for a general tendency or as a countable noun for a particular manifestation.
Easily confused with fogeyism
A fogey is an old-fashioned or conservative person, whereas fogeyism is the set of attitudes or practices associated with such resistance to change.