Priggish Meaning and Definition
Priggish
Pronunciation
/ˈprɪɡɪʃ/
Part of Speech
Adjective
Definition
An adjective used to describe someone who is excessively punctilious, pedantic, or self-righteous, often in a way that is annoying or off-putting to others.
Examples
- My brother can be so priggish when it comes to his diet.
- The company’s policy was too priggish for my taste.
- The judge’s decision was criticized for being overly priggish and out of touch.
- He’s a bit of a priggish know-it-all.
Synonyms
- Pedantic
- Punctilious
- Self-righteous
Antonyms
- Sloppy
- Careless
- Laxed
Etymology
The word “priggish” is derived from the surname Prigge, which was used to describe someone who was excessively moral or self-righteous.
Usage Notes
Priggish can be used both literally and figuratively to describe someone or something that is excessively proper or self-righteous. However, when used in a derogatory manner, it is often used to convey a sense of annoyance or frustration.
Cultural References
The term “priggish” is often used in literature and movies to describe characters who embody the qualities of being excessively proper or self-righteous.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
None
Related Words or Phrases
Self-righteousness, moralizing, sanctimonious
Collocations
being priggish with someone, having a priggish attitude, being accused of being priggish
Frequency of Use
The word “priggish” is relatively rare in modern language, but it has seen a slight increase in usage over the past few years.
Common Misspellings
Priggis, Prigish, Prigges