prig

A prig is a noun describing a person who behaves as a self-important moralizer, especially someone who emphasizes propriety, punctuality, or conventional morals to a fault. The term carries a negative connotation, implying smugness, inflexibility, or hypocritical judgment of others' behavior. In usage, a prig might insist on strict adherence to etiquette, condemn minor deviations from social norms, or display indignation at what they deem improper conduct. The label is often applied in literary and social commentary to critique rigid social policing or puritanical attitudes, though it can be used lightheartedly among friends.

Etymology and usage: The noun prig dates from the 18th century; the related adjective priggish emerged to describe such attitudes. The precise origin is uncertain; some scholars connect it to an obsolete or playful sense of “pride” or “stinginess” in behavior, but no definitive derivation exists. In modern English, prig is primarily used as a pejorative term to describe a person rather than a broad description of a behavior type.

Related terms and nuance: Prig is often contrasted with more neutral descriptors like pedant or conscientious person. It can overlap with terms such as moralist, goody-goody, puritan, stickler, or self-righteous individual. While sometimes used humorously, the word remains pejorative and signals disapproval of someone’s excessive emphasis on rules or propriety.

See also: goody-goody, puritan, pedant, moralist, stickler, self-righteous.