stuffed shirt: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘stuffed shirt’ mean?
A "stuffed shirt" refers to a person who is formal, conservative, and overly concerned with appearance and social status. They are often considered arrogant or pompous due to their rigid and conventional behavior.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "Sunday-go-to-meeting clothes" refers to one's best or finest clothing, typically worn on special or formal occasions, such as going to church. It implies dressing up to show respect or make a good impression.
The idiom "Sunday best" refers to one's most formal or best attire or clothing, typically worn on Sundays or for special occasions.
The idiom "stuff one's face" means to eat a large amount of food quickly and greedily. It implies a lack of self-control or manners when eating.
The idiom "stuffed to the gills" means to be completely full or overly satisfied, usually in reference to eating or drinking. It implies being unable to consume any more due to being overwhelmed by the amount or quantity consumed.
The idiom "stuffed like a turkey" means being extremely full or overfilled, often referring to feeling completely satiated after a large meal or having no more capacity for food.
"Stuck up" is an idiom used to describe someone who is arrogant, snobbish, or thinks they are superior to others. It implies a sense of haughtiness and a lack of humility.
The idiom "strut one's stuff" means to show off one's abilities or talents confidently and proudly. It implies a sense of self-assurance and a desire to impress others with one's skills or accomplishments.
The idiom "sore-thumbish" refers to something or someone that stands out noticeably from the rest of its surroundings, attracting attention and creating a sense of discomfort or unease.
The idiom "slave to fashion" means someone who is excessively or unquestioningly devoted to following the latest trends in clothing and style.
Revealing the Depths
The idiom "stuffed shirt" is commonly used to describe someone who is perceived as pompous, formal, or self-important. Its origin is believed to be rooted in the idea that a person who is overly concerned with their appearance will wear a stiff, highly starched shirt. This idiom, which is often used to convey criticism and disdain, has been in use since at least the early 20th century and continues to be used in contemporary English. Whether it is used in casual conversations or in written texts like novels and newspapers, the phrase captures a sense of mockery towards individuals who prioritize societal norms and traditions over authenticity and individuality.
The term "stuffed shirt" is typically used to criticize someone for being overly conservative or lacking in personality and spontaneity. It conveys a sense of disdain towards those who prioritize rigid adherence to societal norms and traditions, rather than embracing individuality and authenticity. This idiom mocks individuals who are perceived as uptight, rigid, or pretentious, often in social or professional settings.
The imagery behind the idiom is rooted in the association of stiffness with formality and lack of flexibility. The idea of a "stuffed shirt" suggests someone who is rigid and inflexible, unwilling to deviate from established rules and procedures. In many cases, the term is also used to imply a lack of genuine emotion or warmth, as someone who is overly concerned with their appearance may be seen as prioritizing superficial qualities over deeper connections.
It is important to note that the idiom "stuffed shirt" is a metaphorical expression and should not be taken literally. It does not refer to an actual shirt that is stuffed with material, but rather is used as a figurative descriptor of a person's character or behavior.
Similarly, the idiom "stuck up" is often used to describe someone who is perceived as arrogant or snobbish. This idiom conveys a similar sense of disdain towards individuals who prioritize status and social hierarchies over genuine connections and humility. While the term "stuffed shirt" emphasizes rigidity and formality, "stuck up" specifically targets individuals who display an air of superiority.
In contrast, the idiom "buttoned-down" is used to describe someone who is perceived as highly conservative and conformist. This phrase suggests a person who strictly adheres to rules and regulations, often at the expense of personal expression and creativity. While "stuffed shirt" implies a focus on appearance and pretentiousness, "buttoned-down" specifically focuses on adherence to social norms and lack of individuality.
Another related idiom is "stuffed like a turkey," which is often used to describe someone who has indulged in excessive amounts of food or drink. This phrase suggests a sense of overindulgence and being overwhelmed, similar to how a turkey is stuffed with stuffing. While the idiom "stuffed shirt" mocks rigidity and formality, "stuffed like a turkey" playfully mocks someone's indulgence in a humorous way.
Lastly, the idiom "fashion plate" is used to describe someone who is always stylishly dressed and up-to-date with the latest fashion trends. While "stuffed shirt" emphasizes rigidity and lack of authenticity, "fashion plate" focuses on someone who is highly conscious of their appearance and fashion choices. This phrase suggests a person who prioritizes style and fashionable attire, often at the expense of functionality or comfort.
The idiom "stuffed shirt" is a widely recognized expression that conveys criticism and disdain towards individuals perceived as pompous, formal, or self-important. It originated from the association of a stiff, highly starched shirt with a rigid and inflexible personality. The idiom continues to be used in contemporary English to describe individuals who prioritize social conformity and rigid adherence to conventions over authenticity and individuality. Whether it is used in casual conversations or in written texts, the idiom serves as a critique of those who lack spontaneity, warmth, and a genuine connection with others. Similarly, other idioms such as "stuck up," "buttoned-down," "stuffed like a turkey," and "fashion plate" convey related ideas of arrogance, conformity, indulgence, and stylishness.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *stuffed shirt* can be used in a sentence:
- He may appear successful, but underneath that stuffed shirt façade, he's actually a very insecure person.
- Don't be fooled by his fancy suit and arrogant demeanor, he's just another stuffed shirt looking to impress everyone.
- She disregarded the opinions of the stuffed shirts in the boardroom, knowing that they were out of touch with the reality of the situation.
The idiom "stuffed shirt" is commonly used to describe someone who is perceived as pompous, pretentious, or overly formal. It implies a person who is excessively concerned with following societal expectations and who lacks authenticity or genuine personality. The term "stuffed shirt" often refers to individuals who prioritize appearances and conforming to social norms over personal growth or individual expression. It can be used to criticize someone for being overly concerned with status or for lacking a sense of humor or spontaneity. The idiom is typically used in a derogatory manner to express disapproval or disdain towards someone who is perceived as rigid, stuffy, or overly formal in their behavior and appearance.
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