prissy
11 synonyms for prissy, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Excessively prim, fussy, or particular about small details.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use prissy
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
prissy attitude
act prissy
a prissy little
Etymology
First recorded in the 1890s, likely blending "prim" with either "precise" or "sissy" — probably popularized by the American writer Joel Chandler Harris.
Full origin of prissy →Frequently asked questions
What does “prissy” mean?
The word “prissy” means excessively prim, fussy, or particular about small details. In plain terms, fussy and overly concerned with neatness or propriety, in a way that can come across as prudish.
How do you pronounce “prissy”?
“Prissy” is pronounced PRIH-see (/ˈpɹɪsi/ in IPA).
How do you use “prissy” in a sentence?
Here is “prissy” used in a sentence: “He gave a prissy little frown at the mismatched napkins.”
What part of speech is “prissy”?
“Prissy” is an adjective.
Where does the word “prissy” come from?
The word “prissy” dates back to around 1890. First recorded in the 1890s, likely blending "prim" with either "precise" or "sissy" — probably popularized by the American writer Joel Chandler Harris.
How many meanings does “prissy” have?
“Prissy” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: excessively prim, fussy, or particular about small details.
