prig

/prig/

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Word: Prig

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: A "prig" is a person who is very concerned with being proper or correct, often to the point of being arrogant and annoying. This person might look down on others for not following the rules or behaving in a way they consider right.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "prig" to describe someone who is overly strict about rules or manners and who might make others feel uncomfortable or inferior because of it.
• It can be used in both serious and informal contexts.

Example Sentence:

• "Maria is such a prig; she always corrects everyone’s grammar at the dinner table."

Advanced Usage:

• In literature or more formal discussions, "prig" can be used to critique someone who imposes their moral standards on others without considering different perspectives.

Word Variants:

• Priggish (adjective): This describes someone who behaves like a prig. For example, "His priggish behavior made him unpopular at school."
• Priggism (noun): This refers to the quality of being a prig or acting in a priggish manner.

Different Meanings:

• Historically, "prig" could also refer to a thief or a pickpocket, but this usage is much less common today.

Synonyms:

• Pedant
• Snob
• Puritan
• Moralist
• Goody-goody

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs that include "prig," but you might encounter phrases describing similar behavior, such as "holier-than-thou," which indicates someone who thinks they are better than others in terms of morals or behaviors.

Summary:

A "prig" is someone who is overly concerned with correctness, often coming off as annoying or arrogant. It’s a critical term used to describe behavior that can make social interactions unpleasant.

Academic

Noun

1. a person regarded as arrogant and annoying

Synonyms

• snob
• snot
• snoot