strait-laced

American  

[streyt-leyst] / ˈstreɪtˈleɪst /

Or straight-laced

adjective

1. excessively strict in conduct or morality; puritanical; prudish.

   strait-laced censors.

2. tightly laced, as a bodice.

3. wearing tightly laced garments.

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strait-laced British  

adjective

1. prudish or puritanical

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Other Word Forms

• strait-lacedly
  adverb
• strait-lacedness
  noun

Etymology

Origin of strait-laced

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50

Explanation

To be strait-laced is to be extremely strict and uptight. Your strait-laced cousin won't be interested in joining the rest of your family in an impromptu dance party. If you know anyone who's extremely prim and proper, you can describe them as strait-laced. This adjective originally described overly tight clothing, particularly women's stays or bodices. The now obsolete adjective strait meant "narrow or cramped" or "strict," but because it's become unfamiliar today, strait-laced can also be spelled straight-laced.