priggery

A man's priggery is evident in his disdainful look at the casual attire of others.

Definition

1. Noun (uncountable):
   • Behaviour characteristic of a prig: "priggery" refers to the attitude or conduct of someone who is self-righteously superior, especially in matters of morality, learning, or manners. It involves displaying an exaggerated sense of correctness and looking down on others.

Usage Examples

• (His behaviour showed an annoying sense of moral superiority.)
• (The critic acted as if only his refined tastes were valid.)
• (She disliked the self-important, judgmental atmosphere.)

Advanced Usage

• "to indulge in priggery": to behave in a priggish manner.

  • He indulged in priggery by correcting everyone's grammar at the party. (He showed off his knowledge to feel superior.)

• "a touch of priggery": a slight or subtle display of self-righteousness.

  • Her comment had a touch of priggery, though she meant well. (Her remark was slightly condescending.)

Variants and Related Words

• Prig (n): a person who is self-righteously moral or correct.

  • She is such a prig about punctuality. (She insists on perfect timeliness and judges those who are late.)

• Priggish (adj): having the qualities of a prig; smugly moralistic.

  • His priggish tone annoyed everyone in the room. (His tone was condescending and self-satisfied.)

• Priggishly (adv): in a priggish manner.

  • He priggishly pointed out every error in her essay. (He did so with an air of superiority.)

Synonyms

• Sanctimony: exaggerated or hypocritical piety.
• Smugness: excessive self-satisfaction.
• Self-righteousness: the belief that one is morally superior.
• Pedantry: excessive concern with minor details or rules (especially in learning).

Related Idioms

• To be on one's high horse: to act arrogantly or self-righteously.

  • He got on his high horse about the importance of tradition, showing clear priggery. (He behaved as if he were morally superior.)

• To look down one's nose: to regard others with contempt or superiority.

  • She looked down her nose at the simple decorations, a classic sign of priggery. (She showed disdain for what she considered inferior.)