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

Derived Forms

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

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

He criticised "pearl clutching and hypocrisy from people who should know better".

From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026

Despite feverish pearl clutching in certain corners of British society, the latest incarnation of Peter Morgan’s sprawling drama did not, in fact, bring an end to the monarchy as we know it.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 31, 2023

We see the persistence of this puritan impulse in what's sometimes referred to as "pearl clutching": a shocked, wide-eyed, disapproving stance of Oh, my!

From Salon • Oct. 8, 2022

The debate was rife with pearl clutching about naughty words and shocking descriptions.

From Washington Post • Oct. 27, 2021

There has already been a great deal of pearl clutching over Mourinho, with a near-unanimous conviction he is not just a busted managerial flush but an unremittingly toxic agent.

From The Guardian • Nov. 21, 2019