Priggishly: meaning, definitions and examples

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priggishly

[ˈprɪɡɪʃli ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

behavior, attitude

Priggishly refers to the manner of behaving in a self-righteous or overly proper way. It often describes someone who emphasizes strictness or conformity to moral standards, sometimes to the point of being insufferably smug or pedantic. This term is frequently used to critique individuals who take excessive pride in their propriety and correctness.

Synonyms

hypocritically, pedantically, sanctimoniously, self-righteously.

Examples of usage

She criticized him for acting priggishly at the dinner party.
He dismissed her priggishly because of her unconventional ideas.
The instructor spoke priggishly about the importance of following the rules.
Their priggishly attitude made them unpopular among their peers.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'priggish' comes from 'prig', which has roots in the 16th century, possibly referring to a petty thief or someone behaving in a snobbish way.
It is believed that 'prig' might also relate to the Middle English 'prikken', meaning to steal, hinting at the idea of taking on airs.

Psychology

Those who display priggish behavior often have an inflated sense of their moral superiority, which can lead to social alienation.
People may become priggish in response to anxiety about social acceptance or fitting in, as a way to assert dominance.

Literature

Charles Dickens often wrote characters displaying priggishly, highlighting their lack of warmth amid strict social rules in works like 'Great Expectations'.
In Jane Austen's novels, characters with priggish traits often serve as foils to more relatable protagonists, showing the folly of excessive propriety.

Cultural Insights

Victorian-era society valued priggishness in some circles, associating strict moral behavior with social standing and respectability.
Modern interpretations of priggish behavior can be seen as outdated, as contemporary culture often celebrates authenticity over strict adherence to rules.

Translations

Translations of the word "priggishly" in other languages:

🇵🇹 moralisticamente

🇮🇳 अकड़ कर

🇩🇪 pedantisch

🇮🇩 sok tahu

🇺🇦 педантично

🇵🇱 pedantycznie

🇯🇵 小難しい

🇫🇷 prétentieux

🇪🇸 pedantemente

🇹🇷 kuralcı bir şekilde

🇰🇷 세세하게

🇸🇦 بشكل متحذلق

🇨🇿 pedantsky

🇸🇰 pedantsky

🇨🇳 过于拘谨

🇸🇮 pedantno

🇮🇸 fyndið

🇰🇿 педанттық

🇬🇪 პედანტურად

🇦🇿 pedantcasına

🇲🇽 pedantemente