straightlaced

1 8.2

Having very strict rules about proper behaviour and dress

adjective
/ˈstreɪtˌleɪst/

: puritano

to papa—i.e., the white, more conventional and straightlaced guy who seems more like your dad or boss than some motivational speaker—after toying with the idea of voting for the more likable black guy.

Examples

Being straightlaced, he disapproved of the casual dress code at the event.
Her straightlaced attitude made her reluctant to join the party, as she preferred more traditional gatherings.
She was known for her straightlaced demeanor, always adhering to the strictest social norms.

Synonyms

straight

vsstraightlaced

23 7.7

Very traditional and not open to change

is more about strict moral and social rules than mere old fashionedness

puritanical

vsstraightlaced

14 8.2

Disapproving of pleasure and very strict about moral behavior

is equally strict but framed as excessive social properness not just asceticism

prissy

vsstraightlaced

Informal

13 7.9

Too fussy about being neat and proper

is stricter in moral judgment rather than mere fussiness about neatness

Victorian

vsstraightlaced

8 8.2

Having very strict old-fashioned ideas about sex and how people should behave

is similar but stresses general excessive propriety rather than a historical era

prudish

vsstraightlaced

8 7.1

Easily shocked by sex and strict about modesty

is strict in many moral areas rather than focused mainly on sexuality

conformist

vsstraightlaced

6 6.0

Behaving in a way that follows rules instead of trying new ideas

is similar in conformity but adds excessive moral judgment and prudishness

straight-laced

vsstraightlaced

4 7.1

Very strict about correct behavior and manners

expresses the same conservatism but with emphasis on excessive conventionality

prim

vsstraightlaced

4 7.0

Very formal and proper in a stiff, old-fashioned way

is more about strict moral rules and excessive conventional standards

straitlaced

vsstraightlaced

1 8.4

Very strict about manners and morals and disapproving of anything seen as improper

is the same strict moral stance but expressed as overly proper behavior

priggish

vsstraightlaced

Offensive

1 9.9

Acting as if you are better than others about rules and manners

shares moral strictness but lacks the strong self-important attitude

strait-laced

vsstraightlaced

1 7.8

Very strict about behavior and dress

is similar but framed as excessive conventional properness rather than severity

tight-laced

vsstraightlaced

8.1

Being very strict about how people behave and dress

shares strictness but focuses more on rigid propriety than control imagery

puritanic

vsstraightlaced

9.9

Very strict about how people should behave for religious reasons

is stricter in social conventionality rather than religious moral rigor

square-toed

vsstraightlaced

Informal

8.8

Very old-fashioned and formal in behavior or views

is similar yet more about strong moral rules than merely old-fashioned style

Antonyms

improper

100 4.1

Not suitable according to normal rules or standards

unconventional

77 6.2

Different from what most people do or accept

How Proper

prudish

8 7.1

prim

4 7.0

straightlaced

1 8.2

proper

596 2.2

conventional

175 2.8

Surface Forms

straightlaced positive

Morphology

straightlaced = strait + lace (semi-transparent) = strait + lace + ed

The components 'strait' + 'lace' are visible, but the idiomatic sense 'very strict' (and the modern spelling with 'straight') can mislead learners.

Etymology

Straightlaced comes from the image of being tightly laced so you stay straight, like a stiff corset that keeps a person very controlled. So calling someone straightlaced means they are very 'proper' or strict, as if their behavior is held tight by the laces.