What it means
Means something is outdated, unfashionable, or so familiar it’s become boring and predictable. You say it when an idea, trend, or gadget isn’t just old, it’s been done to death and nobody’s impressed anymore. Works great as a dry little put-down, whether you’re rolling your eyes or just shrugging like, yeah, seen it.
Usage examples
"He pitched his big new app idea and everyone yawned. Mate, location-based coupons are old hat, we need something fresh for once."
"Everyone raved about that app last year, but it is old hat now, there are three slicker ones doing the same thing."
"You’re still acting like QR-code menus are some wild innovation. Bit old hat now, isn’t it?"
"That whole edgy zombie rebrand felt old hat before they’d even launched it."
"That whole motivational LinkedIn hustle chat is old hat now. People want actual jobs, not recycled grind gospel."
Where it comes from
Recorded in English since the late 19th century, old hat first meant something old-fashioned or stale. The image is pretty plain: a hat so dated nobody stylish would want it. From there it widened into a neat little put-down for anything overused, overfamiliar, and way past whatever sparkle it once had.
Other ways to say it
Editors of this term
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