Prissiness

Prissiness refers to the quality of being excessively prim, proper, or fastidious in behavior, demeanor, or attitudes. It often connotes an exaggerated sense of propriety, leading to a perception of being overly delicate or easily offended by anything considered inappropriate or unrefined. This quality can manifest in social behavior, dress, or speech, and may sometimes lead others to perceive the person as pretentious or stiflingly formal.

Prissiness meaning with examples

• During the meeting, her prissiness was evident as she frowned at the casual attire of her colleagues, expressing disapproval with every glance. It was as if she believed that professionalism was inherently linked to what one wore. This made many uncomfortable and hesitant to share their thoughts, reinforcing a sense of hierarchy rather than collaboration.
• At the garden party, she surrounded herself with a crowd that mirrored her values of prissiness, where discussions revolved around etiquette and proper social behavior. Guests were wary of showing too much enthusiasm, fearing her sharp judgment. The atmosphere felt stifled, as everyone tried to fit into her mold of what was 'acceptable' at such an event.
• His prissiness shone through during dinner when he politely critiqued each dish, dissecting every flavor and presentation. Rather than simply enjoying the meal, he felt it necessary to uphold a standard of gourmet expectations. This created an awkward tension, making others feel embarrassed about their meal choices and reducing the evening’s enjoyment.
• The children's performance was colorful and lively, but her prissiness led to disapproval over their unconventional costumes. Instead of appreciating their creativity, she grimaced at the thought of such 'bad taste' being displayed publicly. Her comments overshadowed the joy of the event, turning smiles into nervous glances amongst the young performers.
• When discussing art, his prissiness emerged as he dismissed modern styles, insisting that true artistry adhered to classical techniques. Rather than engaging in a meaningful debate, he simply criticized what fell outside his narrow appreciation. This attitude alienated those who valued diverse forms of expression, shifting the conversation from creative exploration to a stale critique.