Definition

1. Noun:
   • An extremely old-fashioned conservative: A person, especially in politics or social views, who is rigidly opposed to change and clings to outdated ideas and traditions.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used pejoratively to criticize someone not just for being conservative, but for being obstinately attached to the past. It implies a state of being out of touch, like an old turtle with moss growing on its back from staying in one place for too long.
• It can be applied beyond politics to describe anyone resistant to new methods in business, technology, or culture.

Variants and Related Words

• Mossbacked (adj): Having the qualities of a mossback; extremely conservative and old-fashioned.

Synonyms

• Reactionary: Opposing political or social progress or reform.
• Diehard: A person who strongly opposes change and refuses to abandon traditional attitudes.
• Fogy (or Fogey): A person with old-fashioned ideas who is resistant to change.

Idioms and Related Phrases

• While "mossback" itself is a noun used as a label, it is conceptually related to idioms describing stubbornness and resistance to change, such as "set in one's ways" or "behind the times."

Noun

1. an extremely old-fashioned conservative