What does “Stuffed shirt” mean?
"A stuffed shirt" means a person who is very formal and conservative in their behavior and appearance.
What context can I use the in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
Example
He's such a stuffed shirt, always wearing a suit and tie.
He's such a stuffed shirt, always wearing a suit and tie.
Example
Don't invite him to the party, he's a total stuffed shirt and will just complain about everything.
Don't invite him to the party, he's a total stuffed shirt and will just complain about everything.
Example
I can't stand working with that stuffed shirt, he never loosens up and takes everything too seriously
I can't stand working with that stuffed shirt, he never loosens up and takes everything too seriously
Is “Stuffed shirt” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Stuffed shirt” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Stuffed shirt” effectively in context?
You can use "Stuffed Shirt" to describe someone who is very formal and conservative in their behavior and appearance. It is often used in a negative or critical way to imply that the person is uptight, rigid, or lacking in a sense of humor. For example, if someone is always dressed in a suit and tie and never seems to relax or have fun, you might say, 'He's such a stuffed shirt.'
- 1Social Events
Don't invite him to the party, he's a total stuffed shirt and will just complain about everything.
Don't invite him to the party, he's a total stuffed shirt and will just complain about everything.
- 2Work
I can't stand working with that stuffed shirt, he never loosens up and takes everything too seriously.
I can't stand working with that stuffed shirt, he never loosens up and takes everything too seriously.
- 3First Impressions
When I first met him, I thought he was a stuffed shirt because he was so formal and reserved.
When I first met him, I thought he was a stuffed shirt because he was so formal and reserved.
Similar phrases to “Stuffed shirt”:
A person who is excessively concerned with modesty or propriety, and is easily shocked by matters relating to sex or nudity
Example
She won't even watch a movie with a little bit of nudity, she's such a prude.
She won't even watch a movie with a little bit of nudity, she's such a prude.
A person who spoils the enjoyment of others, often by being negative or critical
Example
Every time we try to have fun, he finds something to complain about. He's such a killjoy.
Every time we try to have fun, he finds something to complain about. He's such a killjoy.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Stuffed shirt” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Stuffed Shirt" is unknown.
Is “Stuffed shirt” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Stuffed Shirt" is a fairly common expression in everyday conversation. It is often used to describe someone who is overly formal or rigid in their behavior.
What tone does “Stuffed shirt” have?
"Stuffed Shirt" conveys a tone of criticism or disapproval. It is typically used to express frustration or annoyance with someone's uptight or conservative attitude.
Can “Stuffed shirt” be used in informal and formal settings?
Stuffed Shirt is an informal expression that is commonly used in casual conversations. It may not be appropriate for more formal or professional settings.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He's always dressed in a suit and tie, such a stuffed shirt.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'What a stuffed shirt!' to express annoyance with someone's behavior.
