uptight

[uhp-tahyt]

adjective

Slang.

1. tense, nervous, or jittery.

2. annoyed or angry.

3. stiffly conventional in manner or attitudes.

uptight

/ ʌpˈtaɪt /

adjective

1. displaying tense repressed nervousness, irritability, or anger

2. unable to give expression to one's feelings, personality, etc

Other Word Forms

• uptightness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of uptight¹

1960–65, up (perhaps as intensifier) + tight

Related Words

• anxious 
• apprehensive 
• cautious 
• edgy 
• nervous 
• uneasy