Definition

Noun: 1. An eccentric but amusing old man: A term, often used with affection or humor, to refer to an elderly man who is considered odd, peculiar, or set in his ways but in a harmless and endearing manner.

Usage

The word "codger" is a colloquial and informal noun. It is typically used in a familiar, slightly teasing, and ultimately fond way. It is not a formal or polite term but is not usually intended as a strong insult. It often implies a degree of stubbornness or old-fashioned habits.

Examples

• Noun:
  • My grandfather is a lovely old codger who still wears a suit every day.
  • The park is full of friendly old codgers playing chess and feeding the pigeons.
  • He's a bit of a codger, but his stories from the war are fascinating.

Advanced Usage

• "Old codger": This is a very common collocation. The word "old" is often used with "codger" to reinforce the meaning, even though "codger" itself implies old age.
  • That grumpy old codger next door always shouts at kids to get off his lawn.

Variants and Related Words

• Codgers (plural noun): The standard plural form.
  • The local pub is a popular spot for the neighborhood codgers.

Synonyms

• Coot: (informal) An eccentric or crotchety old man.
• Fogy (or Fogey): A person with old-fashioned ideas who is resistant to change.
• Geezer: (informal, chiefly British) A man, especially an old one. In American English, it can have a similar meaning to "codger."
• Curmudgeon: A bad-tempered or surly person (often old). This has a more negative, grumpy connotation than the often affectionate "codger."

Antonyms

• Youth
• Youngster
• Modernist

Related Idioms

• "An old codger": This is the standard idiomatic phrase. It is so common that "codger" is rarely used without "old" preceding it.
  • Don't mind him; he's just a harmless old codger.

Noun

1. used affectionately to refer to an eccentric but amusing old man