silver fox

American  

[sil-ver foks] / ˈsɪl vər ˈfɒks /

noun

1. a red fox in the color phase in which the fur is black with silver-gray ends on the longer hairs.

2. an attractive older person with gray or silver hair, especially a man.

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silver fox British  

noun

1. an American red fox in a colour phase in which the fur is black with long silver-tipped hairs

2. the valuable fur or pelt of this animal

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Usage

What else does silver fox mean? A silver fox is a slang term for an older man, generally with gray or graying hair, who is considered attractive, charming, and classy.How is term pronounced?[ sil-ver foks ]

Etymology

Origin of silver fox

First recorded in 1760–70

Example Sentences

Clooney, long celebrated as the quintessential "silver fox," exudes the same effortless charm he’s maintained for decades in the film.

From BBC • Sep. 2, 2024

Earlier this year, Pine had a slight edge with his new, short "silver fox" look which he debuted at the "Don't Worry Darling" premiere.

From Salon • Nov. 10, 2022

“Old silver fox Helio. You know he paints his hair? I’m telling you,” two-time IndyCar champ Josef Newgarden said.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 4, 2021

Thanks to an unknown alchemist from back in Europe’s Iron Age, Walter Jameson has lived over two millennia as a perfectly debonair silver fox, forever on the cusp of middle age.

From Slate • Dec. 31, 2019

“The High King Balekin is a friend to my lady’s Court,” Cardan says, silver-tongued in his silver fox mask.

From "The Cruel Prince" by Holly Black