Definition

Someone who is overly concerned with being proper, neat, or correct in behavior or appearance.

Example

She was so prissy that she wouldn't even sit on the grass at the picnic.

Comparatives & Superlatives

Conversation

Did you see how prissy Sarah was at the party last night?

Yeah, she was so worried about her dress getting dirty!

I mean, it's just a little fun, right?

Exactly! Sometimes you have to let loose and stop being so prissy.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Prissy originates from the word 'priss' (from the 19th-century slang, possibly derived from 'precious' or 'prim'), meaning overly proper or affectedly refined. The term describes someone who is excessively concerned with being proper or neat.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who is overly 'proper' or 'prim' — that's what prissy means.

Visually Confused Words