Prig Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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prig
[prɪg ]
Definition
slang expression
The term 'prig' is often used to describe someone who is excessively self-righteous or moralistic. This person typically has a tendency to show off their virtue and may look down upon others for their perceived shortcomings. Prigs often adhere rigidly to rules and conventions, displaying a lack of flexibility in their thinking. As a result, they can be perceived as pompous or sanctimonious. In social settings, a prig may irritate others due to their constant moralizing.
Synonyms
moral elitist, sanctimonious person, self-righteous person.
Examples of usage
- He's such a prig, always reminding us about the rules.
- No one likes to hang out with a prig who thinks they are better than everyone else.
- She acted like a prig, lecturing us on proper etiquette.
- Don't be a prig about it; we all make mistakes.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Literature
- Charles Dickens frequently used 'prig' in his works to denote characters who were moralizing or hypocritical.
- Jane Austen also employed the term to critique the social norms of her time.
- In George Orwell's essays, he references similar attitudes, highlighting the societal pressures that create such individuals.
Psychology
- Priggishness is often linked to underlying insecurities where individuals feel the need to conform to strict personal or cultural codes.
- Such behavior can stem from upbringing or social environments that prioritize rules over personal expression.
- Psychologists sometimes describe priggish behavior as a form of social coping mechanism to control anxiety about social behavior.
Pop Culture
- 'Prig' has appeared in various films and TV shows, often used sarcastically to refer to characters who are humorlessly uptight.
- In various comedic contexts, the term is exploited to create classic 'straight man' characters who contrast with more carefree individuals.
- Comedians often mimic priggish behavior to highlight its absurdity, encouraging audiences to laugh at extreme seriousness.
Sociolinguistics
- The usage of 'prig' tends to vary widely across social classes, with different meanings or connotations in distinct communities.
- Language specialists note that the term can reflect societal values, indicating what is considered 'proper' or 'improper' behavior.
- In modern usage, 'prig' has largely fallen out of common speech, often replaced by terms like 'stickler' or 'prude.'
Origin of 'prig'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the late 16th century, possibly from a dialectal term meaning a small child or a petted pet.
- Originally, it may have been used to describe a self-important or affected person.
- In literature, the term evolved to more specifically indicate someone who is overly concerned with propriety.
The word 'prig' traces its origins back to the late 17th century, likely derived from the Middle English term 'priggen,' which meant to steal or to be a petty thief. It was initially used to describe a thief or a rogue but gradually evolved to refer to a person with an overly moralistic attitude. By the 18th century, it began to connote someone who is pedantic or overly concerned with propriety and correctness. The term was often used in a derogatory context, highlighting the distaste people have for individuals who enforce strict moral codes on others. Over time, 'prig' has maintained this negative connotation, representing someone who lacks the ability to be relaxed or accommodating in personal and social interactions. Its use in literature and everyday speech has fluctuated, but it remains relevant in discussions about morality and social behavior.