stodgy

[ stoj-ee ]

adjective

, stodg·i·er, stodg·i·est.

1. heavy, dull, or uninteresting; tediously commonplace; boring:

   a stodgy Victorian novel.

   Synonyms: prosaic, stuffy, tiresome

   Antonyms: exciting, lively

2. of a thick, semisolid consistency; heavy, as food.
3. stocky; thick-set.
4. old-fashioned; unduly formal and traditional:

   a stodgy old gentleman.

5. dull; graceless; inelegant:

   a stodgy business suit.

stodgy

/ ˈstɒdʒɪ /

adjective

1. (of food) heavy or uninteresting
2. excessively formal and conventional

Derived Forms

• ˈstodginess, noun
• ˈstodgily, adverb

Other Words From

• stodgi·ly adverb
• stodgi·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of stodgy¹

First recorded in 1815–25; stodge + -y ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of stodgy¹

C19: from stodge

Example Sentences

Peter Casey writes that under Ratan Tata's leadership, a "great but rather stodgy Indian manufacturer began emerging as a global brand with great emphasis on consumer goods".

From BBC

The European tour could return to being a rival to rather than a partner of the PGA Tour, especially if the current stodgy negotiations continue to falter, or the deal fails to pass the scrutiny of the US Department of Justice.

From BBC

The first half against the Republic was excellent and brought two goals before a stodgy second half.

From BBC

Then came the rolling of the eyes and a shaking of the head, making clear to the world that he was less than impressed with the stodgy decorum of the House of Representatives.

From Seattle Times

In her review, AP National Writer Jocelyn Noveck wrote that “Clooney has gone for stirring and a bit stodgy, pleasing and a bit predictable.”

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• boring
• monotonous
• pedantic
• plodding
• ponderous
• staid
• tedious