prig etymology

Etymology

The word "prig" is derived from the late Middle English word "priggen," meaning "to pilfer" or "to steal." It is believed to have originated from the Dutch word "prikken," meaning "to prick" or "to pick."

Meaning

A prig is a person who is excessively self-righteous and moralistic, often to the point of being hypocritical. They are often judgmental of others and can be pedantic and dogmatic in their beliefs.

Origin

The term "prig" was first used in the 16th century to refer to thieves and petty criminals. Over time, it came to be used more broadly to describe people who were considered to be overly pious or moralistic.

In the 19th century, the term "prig" was popularized by the English satirist William Makepeace Thackeray in his novel "Vanity Fair." Thackeray used the term to describe the character of Major Dobbin, who is portrayed as a priggish and self-important soldier.

Today, the term "prig" is still used to describe people who are considered to be overly moralistic or self-righteous. It can also be used to describe someone who is pedantic or dogmatic in their beliefs.

prig relate terms

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  • primp

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  • prim

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  • snot

    Etymology Middle English snote from Old English snotu Germanic root snutos meaning

  • model

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  • debunk

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  • anecdote

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  • scale

    Etymology of Scale Proto Indo European skel meaning to cut divide Proto Germani

  • adequate

    Etymology Latin adaequatus meaning equal to or sufficient From the verb adaequ

  • deliberate

    Etymology Latin deliberare meaning to deliberate consider weigh Prefix de mea

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