noun
prig
PRIG/prɪɡ/
A person who acts as though morally superior to others.
The prig scolds someone who is already retrieving her dropped napkin.
Etymology
The morally superior prig was first associated with theological scruples, then with an affected propriety that offended or bored others. Its origin is unknown; a connection with the earlier 'dandy' or 'thief' senses remains uncertain.
In context
Frank was more convinced than ever that Lord Fawn was an empty, stiff-necked, self-sufficient prig.
More examples
- The novel makes its self-righteous prig an object of gentle satire.
- She tries to give advice without seeming a prig.
- The character's moral certainty makes him an insufferable prig.
Forms
prig · prigs
Similar words
- moralist
- Can describe someone concerned with ethics without self-righteousness.
- prude
- A prude is excessively concerned with propriety, especially sexual matters; a prig displays moral superiority more generally.