prim and proper
Excessively correct behavior
Prim and proper describes someone excessively formal, stiff, or concerned with propriety and decorum.
The phrase is mildly redundant—both words suggest careful correctness—but the pairing emphasizes the quality.
Often used with gentle mockery: She's too prim and proper to laugh at dirty jokes.
He sat prim and proper at the head of the table.
- prissyAffectedly proper and fussy
- decorousSocially appropriate, dignified
- formalFollowing strict protocol
- prudishExcessively concerned with propriety
- puritanicalExcessively strict about morals
old maid · stuffy · staid · starched · stiff upper lip · stickler · Victorian · demure · strait-laced · reserved · finishing school · buttoned-up · bluenosed · etiquette · good manners · genteel · high society · fastidious
prim and properimproper
Lacking in propriety
wild · uninhibited · indecent · vulgar · crude
prim and properuninhibited
Free from self-censorship
free-spirited · wild · unrestrained · carefree · impulsive
proper, prime, property, primary, appropriate, primitive, primer, propriety, primed