prudish

American  

[proo-dish] / ˈpru dɪʃ /

adjective

1. excessively proper or modest in speech, conduct, dress, etc.

   Synonyms:

   coy, reserved

2. characteristic of a prude.

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Related Words

See modest.

Other Word Forms

• prudishly adverb
• prudishness noun

Etymology

Origin of prudish

First recorded in 1710–20; prude + -ish ¹

Explanation

To be prudish is to be extremely proper, almost a little too proper. To be called prudish isn't a compliment. To be proper is to be polite and have good manners. To be prudish is to take being proper to an exaggerated or ridiculous degree. For example, it's definitely a bad idea to use a naughty word in class, but a friend who scolds you when you use it privately could be considered prudish. They're going a little too far. Prudish behavior is also called priggish, prim, prissy, puritanical, and straight-laced. Others usually think prudish people should lighten up.

Example Sentences

"The album is not for any pearl clutchers," she told CBS News, with reference to prim, prudish or easily offended people.

From BBC • Aug. 29, 2025

After her appointment by Rishi Sunak's government, Baroness Bertin made it clear she would not be approaching the topic from a prudish or disapproving position.

From BBC • Feb. 27, 2025

Eugene Tan, an associate professor of law at the Singapore Management University, said, “People might regard Singapore laws as being somewhat prudish, that these people should be free to express themselves.”

From New York Times • Mar. 4, 2023

Yet there are some subjects that we are far more prudish about than our historical counterparts.

From Salon • Jan. 30, 2023

I’ll tell you how we handled this problem; you may find it unseemly of me to bring it up, but I’m not so prudish about matters of this kind.

From "The Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank

Related Words

• fastidious
• narrow-minded
• prissy
• puritanical
• squeamish
• uptight