stuck-up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stuck-up" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who is arrogant or conceited, often looking down on others. Example: "She always acts so stuck-up, as if she's better than everyone else in the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Rich to Catherine: "Stuck-up brat".

The New Yorker

That sounds so stuck-up".

The New York Times - Style

Stuck-up prose gets up your nose.

The New York Times

Like what some stuck-up clown would ride.

The New Yorker

Don't want people saying you're a stuck-up bitch.

Independent

No stuck-up, snobby behaviour allowed on the premises.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Greg wasn't stuck up.

The New Yorker

Hey, is DayQuil stuck up?

The New Yorker

"She looks stuck up.

The New York Times - Style

We're not stuck up.

The New Yorker

His hair stuck up in matted stalagmites.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "stuck-up", ensure the context clearly indicates that the subject is behaving arrogantly or conceitedly toward others. Avoid using it in situations where someone is simply confident or self-assured.

Common error

Be careful not to label someone as "stuck-up" simply because they are confident or assertive. The term should be reserved for situations where there is a clear display of superiority or disdain towards others.

Linguistic Context

The term "stuck-up" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe individuals exhibiting arrogance or conceit. Ludwig AI indicates that this usage is grammatically sound and widely accepted, aligning with examples where it characterizes behavior or attitudes.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "stuck-up" describes someone who acts arrogantly or conceitedly, believing they are superior to others. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and acceptable. While commonly found in News & Media and Wiki contexts, its neutral-to-informal register makes it less frequent in strictly formal settings. When employing this term, ensure it accurately reflects a clear display of superiority, avoiding mislabeling confidence as arrogance. Alternatives like "arrogant", "snobbish", and "conceited" provide nuanced options for expressing similar sentiments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conceited

A more direct synonym emphasizing inflated self-esteem.

arrogant

Focuses on the outward display of superiority.

snobbish

Implies a disdain for those considered lower in social status.

haughty

Suggests a lofty and disdainful attitude.

supercilious

Highlights a feeling of looking down on others.

uppity

Suggests someone is acting above their station.

pompous

Emphasizes self-importance and exaggerated seriousness.

big-headed

An informal way to describe someone with an inflated ego.

full of oneself

Suggests excessive self-absorption and self-admiration.

too big for their boots

An idiomatic expression for being overly proud and arrogant.

FAQs

How can I use "stuck-up" in a sentence?

You can use "stuck-up" to describe someone who acts as if they are better than others. For example, "She's so "stuck-up" that she won't even talk to people she considers beneath her."

What is a synonym for "stuck-up"?

Alternatives to "stuck-up" include "arrogant", "snobbish", and "conceited". Each of these words carries a slightly different nuance, but they all describe someone with an inflated sense of self-importance.

Is it appropriate to call someone "stuck-up"?

Calling someone "stuck-up" is generally considered negative, as it implies that they are arrogant and condescending. It's best to use the term judiciously and consider the potential impact on the other person.

What's the difference between "stuck-up" and "confident"?

"Stuck-up" implies a sense of superiority and disdain for others, while "confident" simply means having faith in one's abilities. A confident person believes in themselves, but a "stuck-up" person believes they are better than others.