Definition

A person who is very conservative or old-fashioned in their views and attitudes.

Example

Despite the changing times, he remained a mossback, resisting any new ideas.

Conversation

Did you hear about Mr. Thompson?

Yeah, he's such a mossback when it comes to new ideas.

I know, right? It's like he refuses to change his ways.

Totally! Sometimes you just have to embrace the new stuff.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Mossback → The word originates from the combination of 'moss' (from Old English *mos*, meaning a type of plant that grows in damp places) and 'back' (from Old English *bæc*, meaning the rear or back part of something). The term 'mossback' refers to a person who is old-fashioned or resistant to change, likening them to a moss-covered object that has not moved or changed over time.

Memory Tip

Think of 'moss' as something that grows slowly and stays in one place, combined with 'back' which refers to the rear. This helps you remember that a 'mossback' is someone who is stuck in their old ways.

Visually Confused Words