adjective

old-fashioned

ohld-FASH-uhnd

Old-fashioned (adjective) means belonging to or suited to an earlier time, and no longer in style or common use. It can be mildly critical, suggesting something is out of date, or warm, suggesting it has the charm and solidity of the past. Example: “My phone is hopelessly old-fashioned but it still works.”

adjective

Belonging to or suited to an earlier time, and no longer in style or common use. It can be mildly critical, suggesting something is out of date, or warm, suggesting it has the charm and solidity of the past.

"My phone is hopelessly old-fashioned but it still works."

"There is an old-fashioned sweet shop on the corner with jars in the window."

Holding views or standards that belong to an earlier generation, especially about behaviour, morals or manners.

"Call me old-fashioned, but I think you should write a thank-you note."

noun

A cocktail made by stirring whiskey — usually bourbon or rye — with sugar, a dash of bitters and ice, served over a large cube with an orange twist.

"He ordered an old-fashioned and made it last the whole evening."

How to use old-fashioned

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishFrom an earlier time, and not what people do or like now.

When to use it

Neutral to gently critical. 'Call me old-fashioned, but…' is a set phrase used to soften a traditional opinion.

Memory tip

Good old-fashioned is always positive — good old-fashioned hard work means honest, reliable effort.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

vintage → retro → antique → classic →

Common pairings

old-fashioned values old-fashioned charm call me old-fashioned good old-fashioned

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

My phone is hopelessly _____ but it still works.

Etymology

A compound of old and fashioned, in the older sense of fashion meaning 'style or manner'.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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outdated dated antiquated quaint traditional behind the times conservative square

Antonyms

modern up-to-date contemporary fashionable progressive liberal

Related words

new old large current present blue modern recent

Rhymes for old-fashioned

zoned honed toned boned stoned ironed seasoned poisoned buttoned reasoned pardoned mentioned

See all rhymes for old-fashioned →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between old-fashioned and vintage?

Old-fashioned describes something that is out of step with the present, and can be a criticism. Vintage is a compliment: it marks something as a good example of its period and usually desirable because of its age.

Is old-fashioned hyphenated?

Yes, in standard usage it is hyphenated in both positions: an old-fashioned kitchen, and the kitchen is old-fashioned. The cocktail is normally written as one hyphenated word too, though some bars capitalise it as Old Fashioned.

Is calling someone old-fashioned rude?

It depends entirely on tone. Said of opinions it usually implies they are behind the times, which can sting; said of a shop, a recipe or good manners it is generally affectionate.

What is the meaning of old-fashioned?

"old-fashioned" (adjective) means belonging to or suited to an earlier time, and no longer in style or common use. It can be mildly critical, suggesting something is out of date, or warm, suggesting it has the charm and solidity of the past.

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