Definition of the word prissy

The origin of the word "prissy" may have a surprising history, considering its common usage today to describe someone who is excessively proper or finicky. The word is believed to have originated in the American South in the late 19th century, specifically during the hours spent by women at their dressing tables, a place where refinement and decorum were highly valued. As explained by Modern American Usage, a language guide written by the Chicago Tribune's former language columnist, the word "prissy" is derived from the term "prink," a regional word that meant "to dress carefully" or "to adorn oneself." During this time period, some women went to great lengths to impress with their appearance, so much that certain guests at their parties joked that they had conversed mostly with their reflection in the dressing table mirror. This obsession led to the development of the term "prissinge" in the 1880s, which was used to describe an excessive focus on cosmetics and self-presentation. This usage evolved further into "prissy," meaning a person who is "too neat, clean, and meticulously dressed" and displays a spirit of "priggish affectation." In short, the word "prissy" originally had its roots in the American South at the end of the 19th century, evolving from the term "prink" and its embellished usage during the dressing table rituals of women. While its definition has changed over time, the core meaning remains intact: someone who is remarkably fussy or excessively proper, often to an irritating degree.