Definition
Stuck-up is an adjective that describes someone who is overly self-important, conceited, or snobbish. It refers to a person who thinks highly of themselves, often putting themselves above others and refusing to associate with those they perceive as inferior.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
Adjective.
Synonyms
Conceited, snobbish, arrogant, haughty, egotistical, narcissistic, pompous, superior, self-important.
Antonyms
Humble, modest, unpretentious, down-to-earth, approachable, friendly, sociable, personable, affable.
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | None |
| Verb | None |
| Adjective | stuck-up |
| Adverb | None |
Example Sentences
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Don’t be so stuck-up and learn to appreciate others’ opinions as well.
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She comes across as stuck-up because she always talks about herself and never asks about others.
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His stuck-up behavior made many people dislike him at the party.
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The stuck-up celebrity refused to take a photograph with her fans, causing disappointment and anger among them.
Usage
The term “stuck-up” is a commonly used word in everyday language, particularly in informal speech, to describe someone who possesses an excessively high opinion of themselves, often to the point of arrogance and conceit. It is a negative term that connotes unpleasant traits such as snobbishness, haughtiness and self-absorption, thereby implying a lack of social grace and likability.
“Stuck-up” is an adjective that can be used to describe a person or their behavior, mannerisms, or attitudes. It may be used both humorously and seriously and is often employed in a context of disapproval. The term may be used to describe a person who is overly concerned about their social status or appearance, or who looks down on others they perceive as inferior.
The word “stuck-up” derives from the phrasal verb “stick up” meaning to project or stand out, which, in turn, comes from the prepositional verb “stick”. Its usage as an adjective is a product of the compound formation of “stuck” and “up.” The prefix “stuck” means fixed or immovable, which adds a sense of permanence to the word “up,” indicating a lack of flexibility or openness in the person described.
Synonyms for “stuck-up” include conceited, arrogant, haughty, egotistical, narcissistic, and snobbish. Antonyms include humble, modest, unpretentious, and approachable. The word “stuck-up” may also be used in the adverbial form “stuck-up-ly,” which retains its negative connotation.
In conclusion, “stuck-up” is a negative word commonly used to describe individuals with inflated self-perceptions and connotations of arrogance, haughtiness, and self-absorption. Its compound form with the prefix “stuck” implies a lack of openness and willingness to change. The negative connotation of the word is retained even in its adverbial form, and it is commonly used in everyday language.