Prudish
/ˈpruː.dɪʃ/noun
Excessively concerned with propriety or modesty.
Did you know?The term 'prudish' emerged in the 17th century, reflecting a backlash against the more liberated attitudes of the Renaissance, linking it to societal control over sexuality.
Etymological Timeline
Old French
Old French
prude
“A term meaning 'virtuous' or 'modest'.”
Late Middle English
English
prudish
“Describing someone overly concerned with modesty or propriety.”
17th Century
English
prudish
“Evolving to indicate a pejorative sense of someone excessively modest.”
Modern English
English
prudish
“Used today to denote someone who is overly concerned with sexual propriety.”
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