adj
C2
Proficient
prissy
PRIH-see
Prissy (adj) means Excessively prim, fussy, or particular about small details. Example: “He gave a prissy little frown at the mismatched napkins.”
adj
1
Excessively prim, fussy, or particular about small details.
"He gave a prissy little frown at the mismatched napkins."
"Their prissy neighbor complained about every blade of grass out of place."
2
Lacking toughness or vigor; overly delicate or effeminate in manner (dated, often used disparagingly).
"The older sailors mocked him for being too prissy for the job."
How to use prissy
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishFussy and overly concerned with neatness or propriety, in a way that can come across as prudish.
Common pairings
prissy attitude
act prissy
a prissy little
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Word forms
- Plural
- prissies
- Comparative
- prissier
- Superlative
- prissiest
Fill the gap
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He gave a _____ little frown at the mismatched napkins.
Etymology
First recorded in the 1890s, likely blending "prim" with either "precise" or "sissy" — probably popularized by the American writer Joel Chandler Harris.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for prissy
See all rhymes for 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.
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