fuddy–duddy

noun fud·dy–dud·dy \ˈfə-dē-ˌdə-dē\

: a person with old-fashioned or conservative ideas and attitudes

plural fud·dy–dud·dies

Full Definition of FUDDY-DUDDY

: one that is old-fashioned, unimaginative, or conservative

— fuddy–duddy adjective

See fuddy–duddy defined for English-language learners

See fuddy-duddy defined for kids

origin unknown

First Known Use: circa 1904

Synonyms: antediluvian, Colonel Blimp, dodo, fossil, fud, fuddy-duddy, mossback, reactionary, stick-in-the-mud, stuffed shirt

Next Word in the Dictionary: fudge (verb)Previous Word in the Dictionary: fuddlerAll Words Near: fuddy-duddy

What made you want to look up fuddy-duddy? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears