prude

American  

[prood] / prud /

noun

1. a person who is excessively proper or modest in speech, conduct, dress, etc.

---

prude British  

/ pruːd /

noun

1. a person who affects or shows an excessively modest, prim, or proper attitude, esp regarding sex

---

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• prudelike
  adjective
• prudishness
  noun
• prudish
  adjective
• prudishly
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of prude

First recorded in 1695–1705; from French prude “a prude” (noun), “prudish” (adjective), short for prudefemme, Old French prodefeme “worthy or respectable woman,” equivalent to proud + feme

Explanation

Use prude to describe someone who is too concerned with being proper or modest. It is a derogatory label affixed most often to people who are not forthcoming romantically — and it's not very nice. To be prude is to be prudent, or careful. That’s not a bad thing, but prude is usually an insult. A prude might gasp when someone says a bad word. Prude was borrowed from French, short for prude femme "wise and good woman." Though the word took on a negative meaning, Old French prud also meant "capable or brave" and is probably the source of English proud.