Meaning & use
codgers
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“codgers” is a form of “codger”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meaning
nouncountableinformalhumorous
An old man, especially one who is a bit odd or stubborn; often used humorously.
Grammar: Countable noun; the singular is 'codger'. Often appears in the phrase 'old codger'.
Patterns
- an old codger
- a grumpy old codger
The old codger next door still mows his lawn every Saturday.
He's a lovable old codger who tells the same stories again and again.
Some young people think anyone over sixty is just an old codger, but that's not fair.
Word forms
| singular | codger |
|---|---|
| plural | codgers |
Common combinations
- old codger
- The old codger refused to use a smartphone.
- grumpy old codger
- Don't mind him; he's just a grumpy old codger.
- a bunch of codgers
- The club is mostly a bunch of codgers playing cards.
Synonyms and how they differ
- geezer
- Geezer is similar but more common in British English and can sound less affectionate.
- old-timer
- Old-timer is neutral or respectful, while codger often suggests oddness or stubbornness.
- fogey
- Fogey suggests old-fashioned attitudes, whereas codger focuses on age and eccentricity.
Opposites
Commonly confused: codgers or codger?
codgers vs codger
Not to be confused with 'cadger', which means a person who asks for money or food without paying.
Practice
What does 'codgers' mean in the sentence: 'The park was full of old codgers playing chess'?
Choose one answer.
'Codgers' is an informal, slightly humorous word for old men, so 'elderly men' fits. The other options are not related to the meaning of the word.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “codgers”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.