Pruderies

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A tendency towards excessive modesty and strict moral standards particularly in sexual contexts can be captured by a specific term
2. A characteristic of being overly concerned with propriety and modesty in sexual matters is known by a distinct term
3. An inclination to exhibit excessive restraint and strictness regarding moral and sexual behavior is described by a particular phrase

Etymology: "Pruderies" is the plural of "prudery," the excessive display of propriety, especially about sex. The root is "prude," which began as praise. In Old French, "prud" meant "worthy" or "valiant," and "prudefemme" meant a respectable, virtuous woman. The word moved into English in the eighteenth century, and its meaning slid from admirable virtue to affected modesty that looks down on others. The plural form simply counts separate instances or types of that excess. Each "prudery" is a different display of it, so "pruderies" can name several such displays in different people or settings.

Synonyms: modesty, decency, shyness, bashfulness, reserve

Antonyms: impropriety, indecency, boldness, licentiousness, shamelessness