strait-laced

American  

[streyt-leyst] / ˈstreɪtˈleɪst /

Or straight-laced

adjective

1. excessively strict in conduct or morality; puritanical; prudish.

   strait-laced censors.

2. tightly laced, as a bodice.

3. wearing tightly laced garments.

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strait-laced British  

adjective

1. prudish or puritanical

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Other Word Forms

• strait-lacedly adverb
• strait-lacedness noun

Etymology

Origin of strait-laced

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50

Explanation

To be strait-laced is to be extremely strict and uptight. Your strait-laced cousin won't be interested in joining the rest of your family in an impromptu dance party. If you know anyone who's extremely prim and proper, you can describe them as strait-laced. This adjective originally described overly tight clothing, particularly women's stays or bodices. The now obsolete adjective strait meant "narrow or cramped" or "strict," but because it's become unfamiliar today, strait-laced can also be spelled straight-laced.

Example Sentences

"Next to the vomiting, gurning, maniacally grinning Keaton, she can’t help but seem a little bland and strait-laced."

From BBC • Sep. 9, 2024

That article traced her journey from childhood as a male in New York’s strait-laced Westchester County to her decision to transition.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2024

Singapore was once known as an affluent and strait-laced city-state.

From New York Times • May 14, 2024

In contrast to strait-laced Seattle, where suds stopped flowing at 2 a.m. and never on Sundays, Georgetown’s unregulated taverns, eateries and roadhouses were open round-the-clock, serving laborers the hoppy product of their labors.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 7, 2023

Haupt and Wergin had grown up in "strait-laced families," and this was the greatest adventure of their lives.

From Nazi Saboteurs by Samantha Seiple