pearl-clutching

American  

[purl kluhch-ing] / ˈpɜrl ˌklʌtʃ ɪŋ /

Or pearl clutching

noun

1. outrage or dramatic protest, especially from a woman, caused by something the person perceives as vulgar, in bad taste, or morally wrong but that does not elicit a similarly strong reaction from most other people.

   pearl-clutching over sexual jokes; so much fake pearl-clutching by the candidates.

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adjective

1. noting or relating to someone, especially a woman, who is easily offended or shocked by things the person perceives as vulgar, in bad taste, or morally wrong.

   pearl-clutching gasps from the audience; pearl-clutching conservatives.

Other Word Forms

• pearl-clutch verb (used without object)
• pearl-clutcher noun

Etymology

Origin of pearl-clutching

First recorded in 2000–05; see origin at pearl ( def. ), clutch ¹ ( def. ), -ing ¹ ( def. ), -ing ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

The result was another round of pearl-clutching when he spoke ill of Robert Mueller, who had died the day before.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026

Only to shame you pearl-clutching adult babies who are shocked—shocked!—that students aren’t always intellectually and emotionally consistent!

From Slate • May 2, 2024

Remember the pearl-clutching when Disney had the audacity to make a movie from one of its theme park rides?

From Washington Post • Apr. 15, 2023

But the media’s pearl-clutching was disproportionate to the danger.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 12, 2022

While "The View" co-hosts reacted with a range of giggles and gasps of pearl-clutching horror, one person emerged as the voice of reason . . . and possibly experience?

From Salon • Apr. 6, 2022