prudishness
Definition
Noun: - Excessive or affected modesty: An attitude or behavior characterized by being overly strict or easily shocked by matters related to sex, nudity, or impropriety, often in a way that seems exaggerated or insincere.
Usage
Prudishness is used to describe a quality of a person or their behavior. It is a formal and often critical term, implying that the modesty is extreme, unnatural, or hypocritical. - It is typically used as an uncountable noun. - It often carries a negative connotation, suggesting rigidity or a lack of openness.
Examples
- Her constant blushing and refusal to discuss the topic were seen as mere prudishness.
- The novel was banned in the 19th century due to the prudishness of the censors.
- He criticized the prudishness of a society that shunned open conversations about health.
Advanced Usage
- Cultural Prudishness: Refers to prudish attitudes that are prevalent or encouraged within a specific culture or historical period.
- The cultural prudishness of the Victorian era is well-documented in literature.
Variants and Related Words
- Prude (n): A person who is excessively concerned with propriety or modesty.
- He was labeled a prude for his old-fashioned views.
- Prudish (adj): Having the characteristics of prudishness.
- She gave a prudish reply to the innocent joke.
- Prudery (n): A synonym for prudishness, often used interchangeably.
Synonyms
- Primness: Stiff formality and neatness, especially in a way that seems excessive.
- Puritanism: Strictness in moral or religious matters, often referring to austerity.
- Grundyism (dated, chiefly British): Excessive prudishness (from Mrs. Grundy, a proverbial character symbolizing rigid propriety).
Antonyms
- Broad-mindedness: Willingness to accept opinions or behaviors that are unconventional.
- Liberalism (in social context): A stance favoring individual liberty and relaxed social norms.
- Permissiveness: A tendency to allow behavior that others might disapprove of.
Idioms and Phrases
- To be a prisoner of prudishness: To be severely restricted or limited by one's own excessive modesty.
- He was a prisoner of his own prudishness, unable to enjoy the frank art of the period.
Noun
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excessive or affected modesty
