Vieux jeu vs. démodé
The terms 'vieux jeu' and 'démodé' are French adjectives that describe something or someone being out of touch with current trends or fashions. While both suggest outdatedness, they carry slightly different connotations. Understanding these differences offers a richer grasp of the French language and its nuances.
Vieux jeu
'Vieux jeu' characterizes someone or something as old-fashioned in a more traditional, conservative sense. This term conveys a judgment not just of style but also of attitudes and behaviors.
Mon grand-père est un peu vieux jeu, il préfère écrire des lettres plutôt qu'utiliser le courrier électronique.
(My grandfather is a bit old-fashioned; he prefers writing letters to using email.)
Refuser d'utiliser un smartphone est considéré comme vieux jeu de nos jours.
(Refusing to use a smartphone is considered old-fashioned these days.)
Le jeu de société qu'ils jouent est vieux jeu, mais il reste un classique.
(The board game they are playing is old-fashioned, but it remains a classic.)
Démodé
'Démodé' usually refers to something that is out of fashion in terms of style or trends. It tends to relate specifically to aesthetics rather than to behaviors or beliefs.
Les pantalons pattes d'eph sont démodés depuis les années 70.
(Bell-bottom pants have been out of style since the 1970s.)
La décoration intérieure de leur maison est démodée, avec un papier peint tout droit sorti des années 80.
(The interior decoration of their house is outdated, with wallpaper straight out of the 1980s.)
Les téléphones à clapet sont désormais démodés par rapport aux smartphones modernes.
(Flip phones are now outdated compared to modern smartphones.)
Summary
While both 'vieux jeu' and 'démodé' describe things associated with the past, 'vieux jeu' suggests something antiquated in terms of tradition and mores, potentially implying stubbornness to change. In contrast, 'démodé' relates more specifically to physical items like clothes or technology being out of fashion. Both terms provide commentary on relevance as per contemporary standards but from different angles—whether cultural mindset or style trends.