Prude vs. Prig — What's the Difference?

A prude (Old French prude meaning honourable woman) is a person who is described as (or would describe themselves as) being concerned with decorum or propriety, significantly in excess of normal prevailing standards. They may be perceived as being more uncomfortable than most with sexuality or nudity.The name is generally considered a pejorative term to suggest fear and contempt of human sexuality and excessive, unusual modesty stemming from such a negative view of sexuality.

A prig () is a person who shows an inordinately zealous approach to matters of form and propriety—especially where the prig has the ability to show superior knowledge to those who do not know the protocol in question. They see little need to consider the feelings or intentions of others, relying instead on established order and rigid rules to resolve all questions.

A person who is excessively concerned with propriety or modesty, especially in sexual matters.

A person who demonstrates an exaggerated conformity or propriety, especially in an irritatingly arrogant or smug manner.

A person who is or tries to be excessively proper, especially one who is easily offended by matters of a sexual nature.

A petty thief or pickpocket.

Prudish.

A conceited dandy; a fop.

A woman of affected modesty, reserve, or coyness; one who is overscrupulous or sensitive; one who affects extraordinary prudence in conduct and speech.

To steal or pilfer.

A person excessively concerned about propriety and decorum

A deliberately superior person; a person who demonstrates an exaggerated conformity or propriety, especially in an irritatingly arrogant or smug manner.

(archaic) A conceited dandy; a fop.

A tinker.

A petty thief or pickpocket.

To filch or steal.

To ride.

To copulate.

To haggle about the price of a commodity; to bargain hard.

To cheapen.

To filch or steal; as, to prig a handkerchief.

A pert, conceited, pragmatical fellow.

A thief; a filcher.

A person regarded as arrogant and annoying