old fogey

Alternative forms

• old fogy

Etymology

In 1811, an Old Fogey was a nickname for an invalid, wounded soldier; derived from the French word fougueux (fierce or fiery).

Noun

old fogey (plural old fogies)

1. (idiomatic) An old and over-conservative person.
   • 1922, Sinclair Lewis, “28”, in Babbitt:

     "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."