Prig

/prɪɡ/
noun

A person who acts as if they are morally better than others.

He was one of those tiresome prigs who believe that they own the only available blueprints for building paradise.
Visual representation of "prig" - A person who acts as if they are morally better than others

Often appears as...

  • self-righteous prig
  • pompous prig

Usage tips

Disapproving

noun

A person who acts as if they are morally better than others.

He was one of those tiresome prigs who believe that they own the only available blueprints for building paradise.
Visual representation of "prig" - A person who acts as if they are morally better than others

Often appears as...

  • self-righteous prig
  • pompous prig

Usage tips

Disapproving

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "prig"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Negative Connotation

Used to express disapproval of someone's self-important attitude, not just moral strictness.

Illustration for Negative Connotation
Stop being such a prig; everyone's entitled to their own opinions.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Often Insulting

Usually meant as an insult, implying annoyance with the person's behavior or attitude.

Illustration for Often Insulting
He dismissed their advice with a priggish scoff, as if he knew better.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Cultural Nuance

Recognize cultural viewpoints when calling someone a prig, as ideas of moral superiority vary.

Illustration for Cultural Nuance
In a laid-back culture, calling someone a prig might be particularly offensive.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Negative Connotation

Used to express disapproval of someone's self-important attitude, not just moral strictness.

Illustration for Negative Connotation
Stop being such a prig; everyone's entitled to their own opinions.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Often Insulting

Usually meant as an insult, implying annoyance with the person's behavior or attitude.

Illustration for Often Insulting
He dismissed their advice with a priggish scoff, as if he knew better.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Cultural Nuance

Recognize cultural viewpoints when calling someone a prig, as ideas of moral superiority vary.

Illustration for Cultural Nuance
In a laid-back culture, calling someone a prig might be particularly offensive.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Negative Connotation

Used to express disapproval of someone's self-important attitude, not just moral strictness.

Illustration for Negative Connotation
Stop being such a prig; everyone's entitled to their own opinions.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Often Insulting

Usually meant as an insult, implying annoyance with the person's behavior or attitude.

Illustration for Often Insulting
He dismissed their advice with a priggish scoff, as if he knew better.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Cultural Nuance

Recognize cultural viewpoints when calling someone a prig, as ideas of moral superiority vary.

Illustration for Cultural Nuance
In a laid-back culture, calling someone a prig might be particularly offensive.
Visual representation of the word "Prig"

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Quote examples

George Santayana

Spanish Philosopher

It is easier to make a saint out of a libertine than out of a prig.
Portrait of George Santayana

Quote examples

George Santayana

Spanish Philosopher

It is easier to make a saint out of a libertine than out of a prig.
Portrait of George Santayana
Example 1 of 1
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