The term can also have a more figurative meaning, referring to:
* Someone who is reclusive or withdrawn from society: This usage often carries a negative connotation, implying that the person is isolated, ignorant, or even primitive.
* A person who is considered to be outdated or old-fashioned: This usage is more common in a historical context, often referring to someone who clings to traditional ways and resists change.
The word troglodyte comes from the Greek words "trōglē" (cave) and "dytes" (diver), literally meaning "cave diver."