The Archive

Etymology Journal · C

Call me old-fashioned

Meaning

A phrase used before stating an opinion that favors traditional values or older ways of doing things. It is a way to admit that your views might be considered dated.

Polite, modest

Used in a sentence

  • Call me old-fashioned, but I still prefer writing letters by hand.
  • Call me old-fashioned, but I think people should dress up for dinner.
  • Call me old-fashioned, but I like to talk to a human on the phone.

The backstory

Standard English construction used to soften the delivery of a conservative preference. It is an acknowledgment of the changing times.

Heard in

Nationwide

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