old hat

USAGE SUMMARY

"old hat" is a correct phrase in written English and it is used to describe something that is familiar or well-known.
For example, "The idea of using a rewards system is old hat in the corporate world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Old hat.

The New York Times

A bit old hat?

Independent

CHESSPLAYING computers are old hat.

The Economist

Nowadays that seems old hat.

The New York Times

BEING wired is old hat.

The Economist

"It's old hat.

The Guardian - Business

But that's old hat.

The Guardian

Loyalty is old hat.

The Guardian

"Storifying" history, for Solzhenitsyn, was old hat.

The New York Times - Books

Worse, this work is frightfully old hat.

Independent

He's not old hat, like Mondale.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "old hat" to describe ideas, methods, or trends that have become outdated or unoriginal. It's effective in conveying that something is no longer innovative or relevant.

Common error

Avoid using "old hat" in formal or academic writing where a more precise or technical term might be more appropriate. The phrase is generally informal and may not suit every context.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "old hat" is as a predicate adjective. It modifies a noun or pronoun, describing it as outdated or uninteresting. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

18%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "old hat" is a common idiom used to describe something that is outdated, unoriginal, or no longer interesting. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. While effective in conveying a sense of obsolescence, it's important to consider the formality of the writing and opt for more precise language in formal or academic settings. Alternatives like "outdated" or "obsolete" might be more suitable in such cases. Remember to avoid using "old hat" when a more technical or formal term is more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

out of date

Implies something is no longer current or fashionable.

passé

A French term indicating something is no longer fashionable or current.

outmoded

Suggests something is no longer useful or efficient due to being superseded.

antiquated

Indicates something is very old and no longer suitable for modern use.

behind the times

Suggests a lack of awareness of current trends or developments.

yesterday's news

Implies something is no longer interesting or relevant because it is already known.

has-been

Refers to someone or something that was once popular but is no longer successful.

stale

Suggests something has lost its freshness and appeal.

commonplace

Indicates something is ordinary and unremarkable.

hackneyed

Suggests something has become trite and overused.

FAQs

How can I use "old hat" in a sentence?

You can use "old hat" to describe something outdated. For example, "That technology is "old hat"; there are much better options available now."

What does it mean when someone says something is "old hat"?

When something is described as "old hat", it means it is "out of date", "passé", or no longer interesting or relevant.

What are some alternatives to saying "old hat"?

Some alternatives include "outdated", "obsolete", or "behind the times", depending on the specific context.

Is "old hat" appropriate for formal writing?

No, "old hat" is generally considered informal. In formal writing, it's best to use more precise and professional terms like "obsolete" or "outdated".