What does priggishly mean?
Priggishly is an adverb meaning “in a priggish manner.” It describes conduct or speech marked by self-righteousness, smug superiority, or an exaggerated concern with propriety. The word is usually derogatory, suggesting that someone is less concerned with doing the right thing than with appearing virtuous or looking superior. Its sense can therefore carry a degree of irony: behavior described as priggish may pretend to uphold high moral standards while seeming smug or self-satisfied. For example, dismissing another person's concern priggishly implies both moral superiority and an unwelcome lack of openness. Although the adverb is chiefly associated with British usage, it is also understood and occasionally used in American English. It is most natural when making a pointed criticism of someone's tone or attitude, rather than offering a neutral description of formal or proper behavior.
adverbIn a self-righteous, smugly superior, or affectedly proper manner.
- In a self-righteous, smugly superior, or affectedly proper manner.
"She dismissed their concerns priggishly without acknowledging the reasons behind them."
"He responded priggishly to the criticism as if he could do no wrong."
"Her priggishly enthusiastic praise of the committee sounded more like a judgment than a compliment."
Calling someone “priggishly” proper can itself feel priggish: the word condemns moral self-importance while delivering a rather precise judgment.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does priggishly come from?
Priggishly was formed in English by adding the adverbial suffix -ly to the adjective priggish. The adjective priggish in turn uses the suffix -ish with the older English word prig, a term now uncommon outside certain dialect contexts. The development is characteristically English: -ish creates the adjective and -ly converts that adjective into an adverb.
Related word forms
How priggishly is actually used
The word is critical and usually disapproving. It is more common in British English but is also understood in American English. It can describe either conspicuous moral self-righteousness or an affectedly prim manner.
Easily confused with priggishly
Priggish is the adjective describing self-righteous or affectedly proper conduct, whereas priggishly describes how someone acts or speaks in that manner.