Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Stodgy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿž
Add to dictionary

stodgy

[หˆstษ’dส’i ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

food texture

Stodgy refers to food that is heavy, filling, and difficult to digest, often leading to a sense of fullness or bloating. It is typically used to describe dishes that are rich in carbohydrates or that lack a lightness and freshness. Stodgy food can sometimes have a reputation for being uninviting and uninspired, which may deter people from enjoying meals. Dishes with a high starch content, such as heavy bread or thick sauces, are commonly labeled as stodgy.

Synonyms

dense, filling, heavy.

Examples of usage

  • I avoid stodgy meals before going for a run.
  • The stodgy pudding was too heavy for my liking.
  • After a day of eating stodgy food, I felt sluggish.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural References

  • In British culture, 'stodgy' can be used to describe both food and personalities that feel monotonous and conservative.
  • Certain 19th-century novels depict stodgy characters who adhere strictly to social norms, often providing comic relief.
  • Popular media occasionally portrays stodgy characters as humorously rigid in contrast to more adventurous counterparts.

Psychology

  • Research suggests that overly serious attitudes can lead to decreased creativity and innovation, hence the term's application in workplace dynamics.
  • Stodginess in thinking may inhibit problem-solving abilities, as it fosters rigidity in approaching new ideas.
  • People often associate 'stodgy' with negative feelings, leading to stress and dissatisfaction in both personal and professional contexts.

Literature

  • Classic literature features stodgy characters who embody traditional viewpoints, often serving as a foil to more adventurous protagonists.
  • Stodgy writing styles can detract from storytelling, causing readers to disengage due to lack of excitement or relatability.
  • Contemporary authors often use 'stodginess' in character development to critique societal norms or conservative ideologies.

Pop Culture

  • In modern comedies, 'stodgy' characters often create humorous situations when confronted with more dynamic individuals.
  • Reality TV sometimes plays with the concept of stodginess by contrasting traditional personalities with those who live spontaneously.
  • Social media influencers commonly poke fun at 'stodgy' trends to encourage fresh creativity and contemporary styles.

Origin of 'stodgy'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'stodgy' originated in the early 19th century and is derived from 'stodge,' which referred to heavy food.
  • It initially described food that was heavy and difficult to digest, eventually evolving to describe things that feel boring or slow.
  • The word's connection to heavy food reflects a metaphor for ideas or concepts that feel burdensome.

The word 'stodgy' is believed to have originated in the late 19th century, deriving from the word 'stodge,' which itself is thought to have roots in the dialect of Northern England. The etymology suggests a connection to the idea of something being solid, thick, or heavy. 'Stodge' may have initially referred to a type of thick, heavy food that was filling and perhaps somewhat unpalatable. Over time, 'stodgy' evolved to describe not only the consistency of certain foods but also the overall feeling they invoke when consumed. As culinary preferences and health consciousness have changed, the term has been widely used in both casual and critical contexts to discuss food that is overly rich or lacking in variety.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,150 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.