a stuffed shirt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a stuffed shirt" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a person who is overly formal, pompous, or self-important, often in a negative context. Example: "During the meeting, his stuffed shirt demeanor made it difficult for anyone to express their opinions freely."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

What a stuffed shirt.

The Guardian - Opinion

Sulzberger is not a stuffed shirt.

The New Yorker

He was funny and flashy, but not a stuffed shirt.

The Guardian

"It doesn't surprise me about Romney because he's always struck me as a stuffed shirt.

The Guardian

She is just what Galsworthy (whom Virginia Woolf once called a "stuffed shirt") must have been getting at when he first envisioned Irene.

The New Yorker

Instead, a buttoned shirt in a poplin, printed silk or soft chambray denim will ensure you're not mistaken for a stuffed shirt.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Bosley Crowther wrote in The New York Times that the plot was thin, that "Sir Laurence is kept pretty much a stuffed-shirt" and that "Miss Monroe mainly has to giggle, wiggle, breathe deeply and flirt".

The New York Times

He played a swaggering George Bush in Oliver Stone's W and picked up an Oscar nomination for his turn as a stuffed-shirt killer in Gus Van Sant's Milk.

The Guardian - Film

The Spanish Gardener (1956) tells of a stuffed-shirt British diplomat's concern about losing the love of his young son, who is closer to his gardener than to him.

The Guardian - Film

Before 1958, when he was plucked from local news in Birmingham to present the new Saturday-afternoon sports show Grandstand, announcing on the BBC – and it was announcing in every sense of the word – was a stuffed-shirt, plummy-voiced affair.

Independent

Miller proves himself a dab hand at slapstick: Francis, the protagonist of "Fiat Homo" is as hapless as one of the Three Stooges, and Thon Taddeo, the brilliant scientist in "Fiat Lux" is a stuffed-shirt academician who would be at home in a David Lodge novel.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a stuffed shirt", ensure the context clearly indicates that you are referring to someone who is overly formal or pompous, not merely someone who is polite or well-mannered.

Common error

Avoid assuming that because someone is formal or adheres to traditional protocols, they are necessarily incompetent or out of touch. "A stuffed shirt" can be competent despite their formality.

How to use

Learn how to use "a stuffed shirt" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a stuffed shirt" functions primarily as a noun phrase used to describe a person. It typically carries a negative connotation, portraying someone as overly formal, rigid, and often self-important. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples of its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Wiki

10%

Reference

7%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a stuffed shirt" is a noun phrase used to describe someone overly formal or pompous. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and usage in diverse contexts, mainly within news and media. While frequently used, it carries a negative connotation, implying inflexibility and self-importance. When writing, consider the context and audience to avoid causing offense. Alternatives such as "pompous individual" or "overly formal person" can offer more diplomatic ways to express similar sentiments. The phrase is common, but ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning without misinterpreting mere formality as incompetence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Pompous individual

Focuses on the arrogance and self-importance of the person.

Overly formal person

Highlights the rigid adherence to rules and etiquette.

Conventional type

Emphasizes a strict adherence to traditional norms.

Hidebound individual

Stresses resistance to change and new ideas.

Rigid personality

Focuses on the inflexibility and lack of adaptability.

Priggish person

Highlights the self-righteousness and moral superiority.

Strait-laced person

Emphasizes strict morality and disapproval of pleasure.

Ceremonious individual

Highlights the excessive use of formality and ritual.

Pompous ass

A more vulgar way of saying 'pompous individual'.

Dogmatic person

Highlights the tendency to lay down principles as incontrovertibly true, without consideration of evidence or the opinions of others.

FAQs

How can I use "a stuffed shirt" in a sentence?

You can use "a stuffed shirt" to describe someone who is overly formal, pompous, and often resistant to change. For example, "The manager's conservative approach made him seem like "a stuffed shirt" to the younger employees."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "a stuffed shirt"?

Alternatives include "pompous individual", "overly formal person", or "hidebound individual" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to call someone "a stuffed shirt" in a professional setting?

While the phrase "a stuffed shirt" is commonly understood, it can be seen as disrespectful in professional contexts. It's often better to use more diplomatic language, such as "overly formal" or "traditionalist."

What characteristics define someone who is described as "a stuffed shirt"?

Typically, "a stuffed shirt" is someone who adheres rigidly to rules and conventions, lacks a sense of humor, and may come across as arrogant or out of touch. They often resist new ideas or approaches.