Definition

Something that is dull, heavy, or lacking in imagination; it can also refer to food that is difficult to digest or overly rich.

Example

The meal was so stodgy that I felt too full to move after eating it.

Comparatives & Superlatives

Conversation

I tried that new restaurant downtown, but the food was pretty stodgy.

Really? I heard good things about it.

Yeah, it was just heavy and lacked flavor.

That's disappointing; I prefer something lighter and more exciting.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Stodgy originates from the dialectal English word 'stodge', which means to stuff or to fill. The term is often associated with heavy, dull, or uninteresting things, particularly in reference to food or behavior. Thus, 'stodgy' describes something that is heavy, dull, or lacking in liveliness.

Memory Tip

Think of something that is 'stuffed' or 'filled' — that's why 'stodgy' refers to something heavy or dull.

Visually Confused Words