Definition

The quality of being overly concerned with proper behavior and manners, often in a self-righteous or smug way.

Example

Her priggishness made it difficult for her to connect with others who had a more relaxed attitude.

Conversation

Have you noticed how some people can be so full of themselves?

Yeah, it’s like they can't see past their own priggishness.

Exactly! It really gets in the way of being genuine.

Totally, I prefer to be around those who are more down to earth.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Priggishness is formed from "prig" (originating from the dialectal term meaning to steal or to be a thief, possibly from the Middle English *priggen*, meaning to steal) and the suffix "-ish" (meaning having the quality of) combined with "-ness" (indicating a state or condition). The word describes the state of being overly proper or self-righteously prim, often in a way that suggests a sense of superiority or moralism.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who is overly concerned with being proper ('prig') and has a quality of being that way ('-ish'), leading to a state of being overly prim or self-righteous.

Visually Confused Words