priggish

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "priggish" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is overly concerned with propriety, morality, or correctness, often in a self-righteous manner. Example: "Her priggish attitude made it difficult for her to connect with her more laid-back friends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Don't tell me Carmichael's case is much more serious, that's priggish and predictable.

The Guardian

Naive, subversive, priggish, lentil-eating, sandal-wearing, feminist, humourless … the right's charge list is a long one.

The Guardian

Most of this struck me as priggish humbug.

The Guardian

She earned the wrath of her fellow euro-zone leaders with a priggish refusal to contribute to the Greek bail-out.

The Economist

It could have been a pertinent point in a campaign much concerned with the merits of individual and collective action, but Mr Obama overdid the finger-wagging, marvelling at the successful people he met who think they are "just so smart".The moment suggested that the president is more statist than Middle America, and a bit priggish too.

The Economist

And only the most priggish today would argue that financial institutions are obliged to be fluffy.That nuance matters, now that Goldman is embroiled in a scandal about mortgage securities (see article).

The Economist

And then you quickly feel the ground vanishing beneath your feet: if you are inventing things, why be a journalist at all?I know some foreign correspondents who have gone down that route, and have had priggish arguments with some of them.

The Economist

"You say our capitalist system will disappear!" Mr Xin imagined priggish 19th-century English censors exclaiming.

The Economist

Is this a coincidence, or does it signal an ominous trend towards a more priggish style?Dylan Evans Cork, IrelandFeathering the nest* SIR – I disagree with Ms Coronado's speculation in your article ("Cramped quarters", October 2nd).

The Economist

That is a pretty accurate description of Tintin, the Belgian boy reporter who enjoyed spectacular success in post-war Europe.Tintin's slightly priggish character fitted the times.

The Economist

There is "something rather priggish" about the young Levi, he was "in all likelihood not manifestly 'exceptional'" at school; his verses are "syrupy"; the science fiction stories, "bagatelles really are able but undistinguished".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "priggish" when you want to convey a sense of someone being irritatingly self-righteous or excessively moralistic. It's stronger than simply 'moral' and carries a negative connotation.

Common error

Avoid using "priggish" as a neutral descriptor of someone with strong morals. The word inherently implies a negative judgment about their self-righteousness or sense of moral superiority, so use it only when you want to express this specific criticism.

Linguistic Context

The word "priggish" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe someone who is excessively self-righteous or morally superior. It's used to express a negative judgment about a person's character, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Academia

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "priggish" is an adjective used to describe someone who is irritatingly self-righteous or excessively moralistic. As Ludwig AI confirms, the word carries a negative connotation, implying a sense of moral superiority or arrogance. Its usage is common in news and media, as well as encyclopedic contexts. When writing, be mindful of this negative connotation and consider whether a more neutral term might be more appropriate depending on the context. The phrase has several synonyms, including "self-righteous", "sanctimonious", and "prudish", which can be used as alternatives depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

self-righteous

Suggests a strong belief in one's own righteousness, often to the exclusion of others.

prudish

Indicates an excessive concern with sexual propriety; someone who is easily shocked or offended.

puritanical

Emphasizes strictness and severity in matters of morality and religion.

sanctimonious

Implies a hypocritical show of religious devotion or moral superiority.

strait-laced

Similar to prudish, emphasizing strict adherence to moral rules and principles.

prim

Suggests excessive formality and decorum in behavior and appearance.

moralistic

Focuses on expressing moral judgments and promoting a particular morality.

holier-than-thou

Suggests an attitude of moral superiority over others; often seen as arrogant.

moralizing

Imparts moral lessons or advice, often in an unwanted or intrusive way.

uptight

Indicates a rigid and inflexible attitude, often due to moral concerns.

FAQs

How can I use "priggish" in a sentence?

You can use "priggish" to describe someone who is excessively concerned with being proper or morally correct, often in an annoying way. For example: "His "priggish attitude" made it difficult to have a relaxed conversation with him."

What words are similar to "priggish"?

Synonyms for "priggish" include "self-righteous", "sanctimonious", "prudish", and "moralistic". These words all describe someone who is excessively concerned with being morally correct, often to the point of being annoying or irritating.

What is the difference between "priggish" and "righteous"?

"Righteous" generally describes someone who is morally upright and just, while "priggish" implies that someone is excessively or annoyingly self-righteous. Someone who is righteous may simply be morally good, whereas someone who is priggish is often seen as arrogant or judgmental.

Is it appropriate to describe someone as "priggish" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "priggish" carries a negative connotation and may be perceived as judgmental. Consider the audience and context before using this word in formal writing. Alternatives such as "principled" or "moral" might be more suitable depending on the intended meaning.