Definition

Noun: 1. A person who is old-fashioned, conservative, and resistant to change: A fuddy-duddy is someone whose attitudes, opinions, or appearance are considered outdated, overly traditional, or boring. They often dislike or disapprove of modern ideas, styles, or behaviors. 2. A person who is fussy, prim, or overly concerned with trivial rules and details: This meaning emphasizes being excessively proper, dull, or easily shocked by anything unconventional.

Usage

The word "fuddy-duddy" is informal and mildly humorous or critical. It is used to describe someone, often but not always older, who is seen as being behind the times. It is not typically used as a self-description but rather to label someone else's perceived conservatism.

Examples

• Noun:
  • My grandfather is such a fuddy-duddy; he still thinks smartphones are unnecessary.
  • Don't be a fuddy-duddy! Just try the new food.
  • The committee was full of fuddy-duddies who vetoed every innovative proposal.

Advanced Usage

• "Old fuddy-duddy": A very common collocation that reinforces the association with age and outdated views.
  • You may accuse me of being an old fuddy-duddy trying to stop young people from having fun.

Variants and Related Words

• Fuddy-duddyish (adjective): Having the qualities of a fuddy-duddy.
  • His fuddy-duddyish attitude made him unpopular with the new staff.

Synonyms

• Stick-in-the-mud: A person who is dull, old-fashioned, and refuses to try new things.
• Fogey / Fogy: (often "old fogey") A person with old-fashioned ideas who complains about modern life.
• Conservative: (in this context) A person who is averse to change and holds traditional values.
• Square: (informal, dated) A person who is considered boring, conventional, and unfashionable.

Antonyms

• Trendsetter
• Innovator
• Modernist
• Hipster (informal)

Idioms and Phrases

• To be/act like a fuddy-duddy: To behave in an old-fashioned or overly conservative manner.
  • Come on, stop acting like a fuddy-duddy and join the dance!

Noun

1. a conservative who is old-fashioned or dull in attitude or appearance
   • you may accuse me of being and old fuddy-duddy trying to stop young people having fun