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Grundyism

Grundyism

9.9
A strict, often showy concern about appearing proper in public
  • noun
  • /ˈɡrʌndiˌɪzəm/
  • Formal
translation icon : Grundyismo
  • The town's strict dress code is a reflection of lingering Grundyism in the community.

Examples

  • Critics accused the council of Grundyism when they banned certain books from the library.

  • His excessive modesty in discussing his achievements was labeled as Grundyism by his colleagues.

  • Her refusal to attend the dance was seen as an act of Grundyism by her peers.

  • Her strict adherence to rules reflects a certain Grundyism.

  • Many people criticize Grundyism for stifling creativity.

  • The committee's decision to limit public art displays was influenced by Grundyism among the older residents.

  • The school's ban on students wearing casual clothes is an example of Grundyism in education.

Synonyms

prudishness
vsGrundyism
1 8.4

Being easily shocked and embarrassed by sex or the body

is motivated by rigid social rules rather than personal shock
prudery
vsGrundyism
1 8.9

Being too easily shocked by talk about sex

is rooted in rigid social conservatism rather than only personal propriety
primness
vsGrundyism
1 7.7

Being very proper and formal in a way that feels stiff

comes from rigid conservative social attitudes rather than mere formality
prissiness
vsGrundyism
  • Informal
7.5

A habit of being too proper and easily offended by normal behavior

is driven by rigid conservative values rather than mere fussiness
pudency
vsGrundyism
  • Formal
9.9

Shyness about showing your body or talking about sex

is exaggerated and socially enforced modesty rather than mild reserve

Antonyms

22 3.5

Being honest and clear about your actions and intentions

9 3.2

Willingness to take risks and face danger

How Prudish

prudery
1 8.9
Grundyism
  • Formal
9.9
modesty
15 3.8
reserve
9 5.2
openness
35 3.9

Surface Forms

Grundyism singular
Grundyisms plural

Morphology

Grundyism = Grundy (opaque) = Grundy + ism

Formally derived from the proper name 'Grundy' + '-ism', but understanding requires cultural knowledge of Mrs Grundy and is not predictable from the base for most learners.

Etymology

Grundyism comes from a character called Mrs Grundy in an old play who always worried about what was 'proper' and judged people for small moral things. So Grundyism means being overly modest or 'prudish' because of strict, old-fashioned social ideas.