pearl-clutching
Exaggerated moral outrage
Pearl-clutching is exaggerated or affected shock at something mildly scandalous or transgressive.
The image is of a proper lady reflexively grasping the pearls at her throat upon hearing something unseemly.
The term is almost always dismissive, suggesting the reaction is performative or prudish: The pearl-clutching over that joke was ridiculous.
Someone who reacts this way is a pearl-clutcher.
Exaggeratedly emotional for effect
- melodramaticExaggeratedly emotional in expression
- exaggeratedMade larger than reality
- overwroughtExcessively emotional or elaborate
- hyperbolicExaggerated beyond reason
histrionic · dramatic · campy · ostentatious · affected · over-the-top · showy · performative
Struck with horror
- appalledShocked by wrongness
- horrifiedIntensely shocked, disgusted
- shockedDeeply startled or appalled
- offendedFeeling hurt or disrespected
outraged · indignant · gasping · tut-tutting · disapproving · pearl-clutcher · taken aback · recoiling
Excessively strict about morals
- strait-lacedExcessively proper and strict
- VictorianOf a prim era
- prissyAffectedly proper and fussy
- buttoned-upFormally reserved, emotionally guarded
stuffy · old-fashioned · fuddy-duddy · prim · proper · moralistic · narrow-minded · conservative
Disproportionate emotional response
- snowflakeFeathery ice crystal
- triggeredCaused to activate
- sensitiveEasily affected emotionally
- thin-skinnedEasily hurt by remarks
delicate · fragile · snowflakery · hypersensitive · precious · drama queen · making a fuss · moral panic
theatrical
Exaggeratedly emotional for effect
- melodramaticExaggeratedly emotional in expression
- exaggeratedMade larger than reality
- overwroughtExcessively emotional or elaborate
hyperbolic · histrionic · dramatic · campy · ostentatious · affected · over-the-top · showy · performative · sanctimonious
aghast
Struck with horror
offended · outraged · indignant · gasping · tut-tutting · disapproving · pearl-clutcher · taken aback · recoiling · mortified
puritanical
Excessively strict about morals
- strait-lacedExcessively proper and strict
- VictorianOf a prim era
- prissyAffectedly proper and fussy
buttoned-up · stuffy · old-fashioned · fuddy-duddy · prim · proper · moralistic · narrow-minded · conservative · traditional
overreaction
Disproportionate emotional response
thin-skinned · delicate · fragile · snowflakery · hypersensitive · precious · drama queen · making a fuss · moral panic
- overreactionsoverreaction, meltdown, tantrum, hissy fit, freakout
- prudishnessprimness, priggishness, prissiness, puritanism, stuffiness
- melodramatichistrionic, theatrical, overwrought, exaggerated, dramatic
- preachingsermonizing, homiletics, altar call, scripture reading, closing prayer
pearl-clutchingunfazed
Not disturbed or disconcerted
unflappable · nonchalance · composure · equanimity · cool-headedness
pearl-clutchingopen-mindedness
Acceptance of differing viewpoints
tolerance · permissiveness · libertinism · live and let live · broad-mindedness
pearl-clutchingunflappability
Calm despite turmoil
thick-skinned · unfazed · imperturbable · sangfroid · jaded
clutch, pearls, clutched, clutches, clutching, pearly, mother-of-pearl, pearl necklace