strait-laced

USAGE SUMMARY

'strait-laced' is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective used to describe a person who follows all of the rules and conventions of their society or group very strictly and disapproves of those who do not. For example: My grandmother was very strait-laced; she was always scolding me for not wearing the right clothes or having the correct etiquette.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Not all is strait-laced.

The Economist

How strait-laced is this kid?

The New York Times

Coch is strait-laced and demanding.

The New York Times - Magazine

(Following him Mr. Coltrane sounds strait-laced and needlessly hurried).

The New York Times - Arts

The current Giants were a little more strait-laced.

The New York Times - Sports

Jurors got a glimpse of his strait-laced personality Tuesday.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr Peña was typically strait-laced when discussing the reforms.

The Economist

"It's not nearly as strait-laced," he said.

The New York Times

"Girls, Lisa, girls," Lisa's strait-laced mother Marge corrects her.

The Guardian - Books

The Morrises were a rather strait-laced Presbyterian family.

The Guardian

Don't get me wrong, my mum wasn't strait-laced.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "strait-laced", consider whether a more nuanced term might better capture the specific aspect of strictness you want to convey, such as "prudish" for sexual matters or "conservative" for broader values.

Common error

Be aware that "strait-laced" can carry a slightly negative connotation, implying disapproval or rigidity. Ensure it aligns with your intended tone; otherwise, consider a more neutral term like "traditional".

Linguistic Context

The adjective "strait-laced" modifies nouns, describing individuals or entities characterized by strict adherence to moral principles or social norms. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in various contexts, emphasizing its descriptive role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "strait-laced" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjective that describes someone as having strict moral principles. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and provides numerous examples from reputable news sources. While the term is versatile, it's important to consider its potential negative connotation and whether a more specific synonym like "prudish" or "conservative" would be more appropriate. Using "strait-laced" accurately and purposefully will enhance the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prudish

Focuses specifically on an excessive aversion to sexual matters.

prim and proper

Emphasizes adherence to etiquette and decorum.

Victorian

Implies moral strictness associated with the Victorian era.

conservative

Highlights resistance to change and adherence to traditional values.

square

Suggests a lack of modern or unconventional ideas.

old-fashioned

Highlights adherence to outdated customs and norms.

moralistic

Emphasizes the act of imposing moral judgments on others.

rule-bound

Stresses a strong adherence to rules and regulations.

buttoned-up

Implies emotional restraint and a formal demeanor.

stuffy

Indicates a rigid and conventional attitude.

FAQs

How can I use "strait-laced" in a sentence?

You might say, "Her /s/straitlaced mother disapproved of her modern lifestyle", or "The new manager was known for his /s/straitlaced approach to business".

What is the origin of the term "strait-laced"?

The term originally referred to tightly laced corsets, symbolizing rigidness. Over time, it evolved to describe people with strict moral views.

What are some synonyms for "strait-laced"?

Synonyms include "prudish", "prim and proper", "Victorian", or "conservative", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "strait-laced" a formal or informal term?

"Strait-laced" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is generally more common in descriptive or narrative writing rather than highly formal academic or business documents.