Stodginess

Stodginess refers to a quality of being dull, uninspired, and lacking in liveliness or originality. It implies a heavy, ponderous, and often predictable nature, particularly in matters of style, taste, or thought. This characteristic can manifest in various forms, from a bland and unappetizing meal to a rigid and conventional approach to life or art. It suggests a resistance to change and a preference for the familiar, sometimes bordering on conservatism and a lack of imagination. A stodgy person or thing often lacks spontaneity and can be perceived as slow, stuffy, and unimaginative. The term carries a negative connotation, implying a deficiency in vibrancy, innovation, and excitement. This applies to anything including food, people, and thought.

Stodginess meaning with examples

• The film was criticized for its stodginess, with critics finding the plot predictable and the characters uninspired, leaving audiences feeling bored and detached, as if they were watching a play in slow motion. The lack of exciting effects left nothing to talk about after the show. Nothing felt fresh.
• Despite the historical setting, the book's prose suffered from stodginess. The author's overly descriptive and formal language made it difficult to engage with the story, causing some readers to abandon the book before it ended, as it did not grab their attention. The historical setting felt lifeless.
• The new interior design leaned towards stodginess, with heavy furniture and a muted color palette that created a sense of formality and restraint. This didn't match the energy that the customers were looking for. The result of the remodel left the building feeling lifeless.
• His lectures often displayed a certain stodginess; his delivery was monotonous, and his examples seemed to always come from old and outdated textbooks, causing many students to doze off in their seats. He had many great ideas, but failed in its delivery.
• The annual company party was a prime example of stodginess. The rigid schedule, predictable music, and formal attire made for a rather uninspired and forgettable evening. Attendees all felt it was like they were trapped in time.