uptight

[uhp-tahyt]

adjective

Slang.

1. tense, nervous, or jittery.

2. annoyed or angry.

3. stiffly conventional in manner or attitudes.

uptight

/ ʌpˈtaɪt /

adjective

1. displaying tense repressed nervousness, irritability, or anger

2. unable to give expression to one's feelings, personality, etc

Other Word Forms

• uptightness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of uptight¹

1960–65, up (perhaps as intensifier) + tight

Example Sentences

It took a once controversial effort for Bernstein to transform an uptight virtuosic New York Philharmonic into a tight but electric one.

From Los Angeles Times

As a 25-year-old Boston Symphony assistant conductor, he was speaking to audiences, sharing enthusiasm that not all uptight Bostonians were quite ready for.

From Los Angeles Times

There are certain people in the room that are so uptight that I kind of want to win them over first, just so I can get away with the rest of the monologue.

From Los Angeles Times

Maybe being a micromanager and a little uptight weren’t such horrible things after all.

From Los Angeles Times

Who would want to be uptight when you could be irrepressible?

From Salon

Related Words

• anxious 
• apprehensive 
• cautious 
• edgy 
• nervous 
• uneasy