Stodgy

Stodgy describes something or someone that is dull, uninspired, and lacking in imagination or originality. It can refer to a person who is overly serious, conventional, and resistant to change, or to something, such as writing, art, or a meal, that is heavy, uninteresting, and difficult to digest, both literally and figuratively. A stodgy atmosphere often feels stiff, formal, and lacking in vibrancy. The term implies a certain rigidity and a lack of adaptability or modernism. The essence of 'stodginess' is a lack of excitement or forward-thinking, and a strong preference for the familiar and traditional, possibly to the point of being boring or tiresome.

Stodgy meaning with examples

• The annual company holiday party was, as always, a stodgy affair. The same bland decorations, the same boring speeches, and the same hesitant dance moves filled the evening, leaving most employees looking forward to the end.
• His academic papers were incredibly stodgy, packed with complex jargon and devoid of any real insights or creative arguments. The professors often struggled to stay awake, and the students found them nearly impossible to comprehend.
• The restaurant served a stodgy traditional English meal of heavy meat pies, boiled vegetables, and thick gravy. The rich and bland flavors were difficult to digest, and it felt more like a chore than a pleasure.
• The museum's exhibition on ancient artifacts had become unexpectedly stodgy. The exhibit featured ancient relics, but failed to provide compelling context, leaving it feeling dry and uninviting.