Nunnish
/ˈnʌnɪʃ/noun
Resembling a nun, especially in dress, behavior, or supposed prudishness.
Did you know?The word reflects centuries of English stereotypes about nuns as secluded, sexually abstinent, and morally strict, rather than describing monastic life objectively.
Etymological Timeline
Late Latin
Latin
nonna
“A female religious ascetic or nun; also a respectful title for an older woman.”
Old English
Old English
nunne
“A nun or woman belonging to a religious community.”
Middle English
Middle English
nunne
“A nun; the form was borrowed through Old English and reinforced by Anglo-Norman and Latin usage.”
14th Century
English
nun
“A female member of a religious order.”
Late Middle English
English
nunnish
“Like a nun; formed from nun plus the adjectival suffix -ish.”
Modern English
English
nunnish
“Resembling a nun, often implying excessive modesty, austerity, or prudishness.”