Prig - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A prig is a self-righteous person who behaves as if they are morally superior to others, often being overly strict or critical about minor rules and conventions.
Definition:
A self-righteously moralistic person who behaves as if superior to others.
Synonyms:
prude, puritan, pedant, stickler
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
libertine, free spirit
Common Collocations:
smug prig, moral prig, insufferable prig
Derivatives:
priggish, priggishly, priggishness
Usage Tips:
Use "prig" to describe someone overly rigid in morals while looking down on others.
Common Phrases:
holier-than-thou prig, self-righteous prig
Etymology:
Originated in the 16th century, possibly from "prick" or related to "prink" (to dress fussily).
Examples:
- 1. She acted like a prig when she scolded us for laughing too loudly.
- 2. Nobody likes a prig who lectures others on minor mistakes.
- 3. His priggish attitude made him unpopular at parties.
- 4. Don’t be such a prig—let people enjoy themselves!