prig

USAGE SUMMARY

'prig' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is used to describe a person who is excessively concerned with correct behavior or etiquette and judgemental of others. For example: "He was such a prig, always looking down on his classmates for the slightest misstep."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is best to instruct and enlighten without being a scold, braggart or prig.

The Economist

Studious at Cambridge, though no recluse, the young junior minister was thought a bit of a prig.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Scalfaro's religious views were reflected in the stoutly traditionalist positions he took throughout his political career; and in the increasingly permissive context of Italy during the post-war boom he was often lampooned as a prig.

Independent

Yet some of his contemporaries thought him a prig and hypocrite.

Independent

He may be reconsidering the knighthood he declined in 1997, but calling the anti-smoking Gordon Brown "a dreary Calvinistic prig" won't help.

Independent

The cultural gap has only one popular point of understanding, the Third Reich What is so heartening about Louise Mensch’s response is the sight of a strong-minded person standing up in her own name against a mean, rat-like prig A shared money suddenly seems a weak bond.

Independent

"It was difficult to make Darcy into anything more than an unattractive-looking prig, and darling Greer seemed all wrong as Elizabeth… affected and silly," Olivier wrote in his autobiography.

Independent

What is so richly heartening about Louise Mensch's response to these allegations is the sight of an honourable, strong-minded, responsible person standing up in her own name against a mean, rat-like prig who hides under someone else's name.

Independent

I myself made sure to laugh so that Roxanne would not put me down as an innocent prig.

The New Yorker

He's a fat old drunk — of course the Prince should stay away from him!" is assaulted by the other kids, or criticized as a prig, or put down as missing the point.

The New Yorker

The terminal has its own society and permanent residents, including the station inspector (Sacha Baron Cohen), a pompous prig who rounds up boys like Hugo and sends them to an orphanage, and a cranky old man who presides in silence over a toy store — Georges Méliès Ben Kingsleyy) himself, mourning his lost past.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "prig", be mindful of the context. It carries a negative connotation, suggesting disapproval of someone's self-righteous or smug behavior. Ensure your intention is to convey this critical perspective.

Common error

Avoid using "prig" to describe someone you admire for their moral standards. The word implies arrogance and an irritating sense of superiority, making it inappropriate for genuine praise.

Linguistic Context

The word "prig" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a person who displays exaggerated propriety and self-righteousness. As Ludwig shows, it is used to negatively describe someone who is considered irritatingly smug or morally superior. It can also function as a verb meaning to steal or haggle.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "prig" is a word used to negatively describe someone who is excessively self-righteous or smug. As Ludwig AI confirms, the term is grammatically correct and commonly used across various sources, predominantly in news and media contexts. It functions as a noun to label someone with irritatingly superior behavior. When using "prig", be aware of its critical and disapproving connotation and ensure it aligns with your intended message. Avoid using it as a compliment. Alternatives include ""self-righteous person"" and ""holier-than-thou"", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

self-righteous person

Directly describes someone who believes they are morally superior, reflecting the core trait of a "prig".

holier-than-thou

Emphasizes a sense of moral superiority, capturing the smugness associated with a "prig".

strict moralist

Describes someone who rigidly adheres to and enforces moral rules, similar to a "prig".

moralist

Focuses on adherence to a strict moral code, similar to a "prig's" self-righteousness.

puritan

Emphasizes strict religious or moral principles, echoing the "prig's" adherence to propriety.

stickler

Highlights an insistence on correctness and rules, mirroring a "prig's" concern for propriety.

pedant

Stresses the display of knowledge and correctness, akin to a "prig's" smugness.

moral arbiter

Implies someone who judges the morality of others, aligning with the judgmental nature of a "prig".

do-gooder

Suggests someone who is excessively zealous in doing good, sometimes bordering on self-righteousness like a "prig".

stuffed shirt

Implies a rigid and pompous adherence to convention, similar to a "prig's" stuffiness.

FAQs

How can I use "prig" in a sentence?

You can use "prig" to describe someone who acts superior or is irritatingly self-righteous. For instance, "He was such a "prig", always lecturing others on their behavior".

What's a synonym for "prig"?

Synonyms for "prig" include "self-righteous person", "holier-than-thou", or "moralist". These words all describe someone who acts superior in their moral judgment.

What is the difference between "prig" and "moralist"?

While both terms relate to morality, a "moralist" simply adheres to a moral code, whereas a "prig" displays their adherence in an irritatingly superior manner. A "prig" is a "moralist" with an added layer of smugness.

Is it okay to call someone a "prig"?

Calling someone a "prig" is generally considered offensive, as it implies disapproval of their behavior. It's a critical label that suggests they are self-righteous and annoying.