Prissily

Prissily describes behaving in a overly prim, fastidious, and self-righteous manner, often suggesting an exaggerated concern with being proper or refined. This behavior often manifests as an aversion to anything considered coarse, vulgar, or unrefined. It implies a strong emphasis on decorum, sometimes to the point of being affected or artificial. The actions can include pursing lips, making disapproving noises, and expressing disdain for perceived social improprieties. Someone acting prissily might be overly concerned with their appearance and adherence to social norms. The word carries a subtly negative connotation, implying a degree of affectedness or a lack of genuine warmth and spontaneity.

Prissily meaning with examples

• When the children started playing with mud, Aunt Mildred, known for her impeccable attire, wrinkled her nose and declared prissily, "Honestly, such a mess! It's quite uncivilized, and think of the stains!" She retreated inside, clutching her pristine handbag, leaving the kids to their muddy fun, her disapproval clear.
• He adjusted his tie and straightened his posture, responding prissily to a suggestion for a casual dinner at the pub: "Oh, I'm afraid I have an engagement with a much more elevated form of cuisine, and my schedule would never allow for such a lack of decorum!"
• The fashion editor, gazing prissily at the avant-garde collection, remarked, "The hemlines are simply scandalous! The tailoring is far too unconventional, and the colors, well, they're positively atrocious! This is not fashion; it's a disaster!"
• During the casual office potluck, the new employee, a stickler for proper etiquette, looked prissily at the buffet, remarking on the "unacceptable presentation" and the "improper utensils." He then proceeded to use a specialized fork for every item he picked.
• As the dog playfully jumped on the sofa, scattering a few decorative pillows, the homeowner gasped prissily, “Good heavens! Get it off the furniture immediately! This house is immaculate; the dog can stay on the floor, far away from the upholstery!”