SKIP TO CONTENT

prudish

/ˈprudɪʃ/
/ˈprudɪʃ/
IPA guide

To be prudish is to be extremely proper, almost a little too proper. To be called prudish isn't a compliment.

To be proper is to be polite and have good manners. To be prudish is to take being proper to an exaggerated or ridiculous degree. For example, it's definitely a bad idea to use a naughty word in class, but a friend who scolds you when you use it privately could be considered prudish. They're going a little too far. Prudish behavior is also called priggish, prim, prissy, puritanical, and straight-laced. Others usually think prudish people should lighten up.

Definitions of prudish
  1. adjective
    exaggeratedly proper
    proper
    marked by suitability or rightness or appropriateness
Cite this entry
Style:
MLA
  • MLA
  • APA
  • Chicago

DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘prudish'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of gold-punch.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family