uptight

USAGE SUMMARY

'uptight' is a legitimate word in written English.
It is generally used to describe a person who is overly strict or uptight about rules and regulations, and can't be relaxed in their attitude. Example sentence: She was so uptight about the dress code at the party that she wouldn't let anyone in unless they were wearing the exact outfit she had specified.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No, they tell me that I'm just too uptight to just enjoy a fun pop song.

The Guardian - Music

My next destination was Lyon, which has the reputation for being the most uptight and bourgeois city in France.

The Guardian

Lead actor Tatiana Maslany plays eight (and counting) cloned versions of herself, flitting seamlessly between characters including a cop, a Ukrainian sociopath, and an uptight soccer mom with a drink problem.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"I think it's one of the most universal acknowledged facts about our band that we're all enormously uptight," admits keyboardist Edwin Congreave, who joins Yannis on interview duties today.

The Guardian - Music

Juno star Page plays the plucky Bliss Cavendar, a smalltown loner who signs up for a roller derby against the wishes of her uptight mum (Marcia Gay Harden).

The Guardian - Film

Some of the West End's most upmarket hotels are so antiseptic and uptight you'd hardly know you were in Jamaica, but the Rockhouse has managed to combine modern boutique comforts – a world-class spa, crisp bed linen, fabulous food – with the laid-back hedonism of the old Negril.

The Guardian - Travel

They were uptight Republican country club kind of people.

The Guardian

This distressed the on-set hairdresser who, like the rest of Hollywood, expected all good actresses to have neat, uptight Grace Kelly dos.

The Guardian

Throughout it all, she's constrained by a thankless role as the brittle, bitchy wife; an uptight Nurse Ratched figure the rebelling Lester can kick against.

The Guardian - Film

Allow your hands to wander inside your uptight bourgeois pants and feel the excitement of my squalor.

The Guardian - Books

Roche wants to avoid problems such as the post-merger fracas between Glaxo's tough managers and Wellcome's dreamy scientists, or the one between Pharmacia AB's laid-back Swedish bosses and Upjohn's uptight Americans, with their insistence on rarely-read monthly reports and urine tests to snare boozy employees.Roche's arguments may be making a virtue out of a necessity.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "uptight" when you want to convey a sense of someone being overly concerned with rules, order, or social norms, often to the point of being tense or uncomfortable.

Common error

Avoid mistaking "uptight", which describes a personality, with "upright", which describes a physical position or moral character. For example, say "He's too uptight to enjoy the party", not "He's too upright to enjoy the party".

Linguistic Context

The word "uptight" primarily functions as an adjective, describing a person or their behavior as being excessively concerned with rules, order, and social norms. Ludwig confirms its legitimate use in this context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Encyclopedias

7%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "uptight" is a common adjective used to describe someone who is excessively concerned with rules, order, and social norms. Ludwig confirms its widespread use and grammatical correctness. While it's generally appropriate for neutral contexts, it's important to be mindful of the potential for misinterpretation or offense. Consider using synonyms like "tense" or "strict" in more formal settings. Remember, avoid confusing it with "upright", and use it judiciously to convey the intended meaning effectively. The frequency of "uptight" in News & Media reflects its role in describing diverse situations and characters.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tense

Focuses primarily on the emotional state of being stressed or anxious.

anxious

Emphasizes a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something.

high-strung

Describes someone who is habitually nervous and easily excitable.

overly strict

Highlights an excessive adherence to rules and regulations.

stiff

Suggests a lack of ease and flexibility in behavior or manner.

buttoned-up

Implies a reserved and formal demeanor, often hiding emotions.

nitpicky

Focuses on a tendency to find fault and be overly critical.

prim

Suggests excessive propriety and decorum, often in a judgmental way.

squeamish

Highlights a tendency to be easily shocked or disgusted by things considered unpleasant.

strait-laced

Emphasizes strict moral principles and a resistance to anything unconventional.

FAQs

How can I use "uptight" in a sentence?

"Uptight" is often used to describe someone who is overly concerned with rules or social conventions. For example, "Don't be so uptight; just relax and have fun."

What are some synonyms for "uptight"?

Alternatives to "uptight" include "tense", "anxious", "high-strung", and "stiff". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "uptight" and "anxious"?

While both words relate to a state of unease, "uptight" suggests a rigid adherence to rules or social norms, while "anxious" generally refers to a feeling of worry or nervousness without necessarily implying rigidity.

Is it ever appropriate to use "uptight" in formal writing?

While "uptight" is generally understood, it's more common in informal contexts. In formal writing, consider using alternatives like "formal", "strict", or "reserved" to maintain a professional tone.