wrinklies
Low; informal/slangInformal, colloquial, slang. Potentially disrespectful depending on context and tone.
Definition
Meaning
Slang term, often humorous or slightly derogatory, referring to older people, particularly focusing on the physical sign of aging: wrinkles.
Can refer broadly to the older generation, sometimes with connotations of being out of touch, conservative, or physically less active. Used informally within generational discourse.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Plural noun, collective term. The -ies suffix is characteristic of British informal/slang formations (e.g., "greenies", "toughies"). Implies a group defined by a single characteristic.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Primarily a British slang term. American English would more commonly use "old-timers", "seniors", or "geezer" (though 'geezer' has different connotations). The specific formation 'wrinklies' is distinctly BrE.
Connotations
In BrE, it can range from affectionate teasing within families to more dismissive or ageist commentary. In AmE, if understood, it would likely be perceived as a direct British import with a cheeky or irreverent tone.
Frequency
Very low frequency in AmE; low but recognisable in BrE informal contexts, especially in media targeting younger audiences.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Determiner] + wrinklies + [Verb]The wrinklies [are/think/said]...Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Past it with the wrinklies (invented for pattern: implies being outdated).”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare and inappropriate except in very informal internal talk. Could be used in marketing slang for 'senior discounts' but risky.
Academic
Not used. Demographically precise terms are required.
Everyday
Informal conversations, often among younger speakers referring to older relatives or a group of older people.
Technical
Not used.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The new park bench seems to attract all the local wrinklies.
American English
- (Not typically used) The shuffleboard court was occupied by what the British would call 'wrinklies'.
adjective
British English
- (As attributive noun) He's got a right wrinkly mindset about technology.
- (Note: 'wrinkly' as adj. exists)
American English
- (Rare) The wrinkly crowd at the early bird special.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My nan and her friends are lovely, but they're just a bunch of wrinklies when it comes to using a smartphone.
- The article cheekily referred to the over-60s demographic as 'the empowered wrinklies', a term which sparked some debate.
- While terms like 'wrinklies' are often used humorously in the media, they can subtly perpetuate damaging age-based stereotypes.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'wrinkles' + the '-ies' ending like in 'cookies' – a batch of people defined by their wrinkles.
Conceptual Metaphor
PEOPLE ARE DEFINED BY PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS (Metonymy).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate literally as 'морщинки' (little wrinkles) – it refers to people. The slang diminutive/plural '-ies' formation has no direct equivalent. The term is collective and informal.
Common Mistakes
- Using in formal writing. Using to address an older person directly (highly offensive). Treating it as a singular noun ('a wrinkly' is possible but less common).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'wrinklies' be LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be. It is informal slang and reduces people to a physical sign of aging. Its offensiveness depends entirely on context, tone, and relationship. Avoid in formal or respectful contexts.
You can, but it will be recognised as a British slang term. Americans might say 'old-timers', 'seniors', or use the adjective 'wrinkly' informally.
A 'wrinkly'. (e.g., "He's a lovely old wrinkly.") However, the plural collective 'wrinklies' is more common.
Not directly. Terms like 'senior', 'elder', or 'pensioner' are neutral. 'Silver fox' is positive but for attractive older men, not a group.