priggish

Priggish is an adjective describing behavior or a person who is self-righteously moralistic, overly proper, and quick to judge others for minor offenses. A priggish attitude combines a sense of moral superiority with a preoccupation for manners, cleanliness, or correct conduct.

The term derives from the noun prig, dating to the early 19th century in British English; the exact origin of prig is uncertain, but it has long carried a pejorative sense of a superficially respectable moralist.

In usage, priggish often implies smugness rather than genuine virtue, and it can indicate affectation rather than settled ethics. It is typically negative and used to criticize behavior described as sanctimonious, prudish, or puritanical rather than essential ethical standards. In literature and criticism, a priggish character is one who polices others' manners and tastes.

Synonyms include sanctimonious, self-righteous, prudish, and puritanical; antonyms include easygoing, open-minded, and tolerant. See also pedantry, moralism.