Prig: meaning, definitions and examples

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prig

 

[ prɪg ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

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

Translations of the word "prig" in other languages:

🇵🇹 prig

🇮🇳 क्रोधी

🇩🇪 zornig

🇮🇩 marah

🇺🇦 гнівний

🇵🇱 wściekły

🇯🇵 怒っている

🇫🇷 en colère

🇪🇸 enojado

🇹🇷 kızgın

🇰🇷 화난

🇸🇦 غاضب

🇨🇿 naštvaný

🇸🇰 naštvaný

🇨🇳 生气的

🇸🇮 jezen

🇮🇸 reiður

🇰🇿 ашулы

🇬🇪 ბრაზიანი

🇦🇿 hirsli

🇲🇽 enojado

Etymology

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.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,323 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.