prudish

Imagine someone who blushes at the slightest hint of something sexual or finds even mild jokes improper. The word describes a person who is too concerned with what is proper, especially in matters of sex and morality. It often suggests that they are easily offended or too quick to judge behavior that others see as normal. You might say a character in a Victorian novel is prudish, or that a comedian avoids certain topics because they do not want to offend a prudish audience.

To be prudish means to be excessively concerned with modesty, propriety, and conventional morality—often to the point of being overly restrictive or easily shocked by things others consider normal. It's more than just being modest; it implies a rigid judgment about what should be considered proper behavior.

The word originally stemmed from "prude," which was derived from a French term for a virtuous woman. Over time, however, the meaning shifted from genuine virtue toward an affected or excessive display of moral strictness. While often associated with Victorian-era sensibilities (think of tightly laced corsets and the legendary covering of furniture legs!), prudishness can exist in any era.

You might describe a film critic as prudish if they consistently condemn movies for containing even mild sexual content. Or you could say someone is being prudish when they disapprove of a friend's clothing choice, deeming it "too revealing" despite modern standards. It's important to note that what one person considers prudish, another may see as simply having good taste or strong values. The context and the observer's own perspective matter!

However, the term often carries a negative connotation, suggesting someone is overly judgmental or out of touch with modern sensibilities. While not necessarily malicious, a prudish attitude can be seen as stifling and restrictive. So, if someone seems to take offense at almost everything, they might just be a little… prudish.