straightlaced

Straightlaced is an adjective used to describe someone who is very conventional, moralistic, and often disapproving of behavior that deviates from accepted norms. It suggests a person who adheres strictly to traditional rules and social expectations, often to the point of being perceived as prudish or old-fashioned. The term implies a rigid and unbending adherence to what is considered proper or respectable.

The origin of the word comes from the literal lacing of shoes or stays, which was a common way to fasten garments. This physical act of being tightly laced up became a metaphor for a person who is figuratively "tightly laced" in their beliefs and behaviors, unable to loosen up or accept more liberal viewpoints.

Individuals described as straightlaced are typically seen as highly concerned with propriety and may be quick to judge or condemn actions or attitudes they deem inappropriate or immoral. This can extend to their personal lives, their opinions on social issues, and their general approach to life. While the term can sometimes be used neutrally to describe adherence to principles, it often carries a connotation of being overly strict, unimaginative, or lacking in spontaneity. The opposite of straightlaced might be considered liberal, unconventional, or bohemian.