fuddy-duddy

noun

fud·​dy-dud·​dy ˈfə-dē-ˌdə-dē How to pronounce fuddy-duddy (audio)
plural fuddy-duddies
: one that is old-fashioned, unimaginative, or conservative
fuddy-duddy adjective

Examples of fuddy-duddy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The good news is that for every fuddy-duddy like myself who can’t seem to get on board with crowdfunding kids’ lives, there are twice as many generous, kind-hearted individuals willing to give a little—or a lot—toward schools, sports, and charities. Melissa Willets, Parents, 3 Feb. 2024 Another group of screenwriters have mocked Ms. Lombardini online as a fuddy-duddy who hangs out at chain restaurants, the taunt being that no Hollywood person would be caught dead in one. John Koblin, New York Times, 28 Aug. 2023 And that’s part of what the Oscars, in their slightly fuddy-duddy way, can do: confer respectability on popular movies that represent groundbreaking achievement. Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 12 Mar. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fuddy-duddy.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

1868, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fuddy-duddy was in 1868

Dictionary Entries Near fuddy-duddy

Cite this Entry

“Fuddy-duddy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fuddy-duddy. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

fuddy-duddy

noun
fud·​dy-dud·​dy
ˈfəd-ē-ˌdəd-ē
plural fuddy-duddies
: a person who is old-fashioned, very cautious, or fussy

More from Merriam-Webster on fuddy-duddy

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