noun

prig

prihg

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Prig (noun) means a person who is smugly self-righteous about proper behaviour, to an irritating degree. Example: “Nobody wanted him at the party — he was too much of a prig about table manners.”

noun

A person who is smugly self-righteous about proper behaviour, to an irritating degree.

"Nobody wanted him at the party — he was too much of a prig about table manners."

"Don't be such a prig; loosen up and enjoy yourself."

How to use prig

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomeone who acts self-righteously proper and looks down on others for not being as prim and correct.

Common mistake

Don't confuse with prim (an adjective describing overly formal behaviour) — prig is the noun for the person who behaves that way.

Easily confused with

prim →

Common pairings

a self-righteous prig act like a prig

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: prigs
Third person singular: prigs
Past tense: prigged

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Nobody wanted him at the party — he was too much of a _____ about table manners.

Etymology

First recorded in 16th-century Britain; the exact origin is unknown, though it may be linked to older slang senses meaning "thief" or "tinker."

· First attested 1500

Class of 1500 prig joined the language around 1500.

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Synonyms

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snob snot snoot

Related words

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Rhymes for prig

rig brig trig frig

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Frequently asked questions

What does “prig” mean?

The word “prig” means a person who is smugly self-righteous about proper behaviour, to an irritating degree. In plain terms, someone who acts self-righteously proper and looks down on others for not being as prim and correct.

How do you pronounce “prig”?

“Prig” is pronounced prihg (/pɹɪɡ/ in IPA).

How do you use “prig” in a sentence?

Here is “prig” used in a sentence: “Nobody wanted him at the party — he was too much of a prig about table manners.”

What part of speech is “prig”?

“Prig” is a noun.

Where does the word “prig” come from?

The word “prig” dates back to around 1500. First recorded in 16th-century Britain; the exact origin is unknown, though it may be linked to older slang senses meaning "thief" or "tinker.".

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