Stuffy

Stuffy is an English adjective with several related senses. It can describe something that is filled or closed off, or airless and lacking ventilation. It can also describe a person or atmosphere perceived as formal, rigid, or old-fashioned.

In the nasal sense, "stuffy" appears in phrases like "stuffy nose" to indicate nasal congestion, often caused by colds, allergies, or sinus pressure.

In environmental terms, a "stuffy" room or atmosphere implies poor ventilation, high humidity, or crowding, leading to an oppressive or uncomfortable feeling. The expression is common in discussions of classrooms, offices, or social gatherings.

In describing people, "stuffy" criticizes behavior or manners as stiff, overly formal, or pretentious. It can imply a resistance to spontaneity or to novelty. The term is informal and slightly pejorative; more neutral options include formal, stiff, or conventional.

Etymology: Stuffy derives from stuff with the -y suffix meaning "characterized by" or "full of." The sense relating to airlessness and crowding developed from the idea of being filled up or blocked. In modern usage, the term appears across varieties of English and is typically used descriptively rather than scientifically.