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Phrase: Prim and proper
You might hear the phrase prim and proper used to talk about how someone looks or acts.
First, let’s break down what “prim” and “proper” mean individually and together as a phrase.
When someone is described as “prim,” it means they are very neat, tidy, and careful in how they dress or behave.
A prim person might always keep their clothes clean and sit up straight.
Sometimes, “prim” also means someone is a little too concerned with rules or manners and may seem stiff or too formal.
Next, the word “proper” means behaving in a way that is correct and suitable for the situation.
If someone is proper, they follow social rules and do what is expected in polite society.
Proper people usually speak and act in a manner that others perceive as right or good.
When you put these words together, prim and proper describes a person who is very concerned with looking neat and following rules.
A prim and proper person does not like mess or bad manners.
For example, you might say, “She always looks so prim and proper at work,” or “He has a prim and proper attitude toward everything.”
You can use the phrase prim and proper in lots of everyday situations, like when talking about someone at work, at home, or in social gatherings.
For example, if someone always looks neat and acts politely, you might call them prim and proper.
This usually means they respect rules and are mindful of what’s expected.
Sometimes, people see prim and proper folks as a bit old-fashioned or too formal, but their manners help make things comfortable for everyone.
Whether you’re in class, at a fancy dinner, or just hanging out, being prim and proper means you choose neatness and good manners.
Simply put, it’s about being tidy, polite, and always following the rules.
Being prim and proper is what makes living in Japan so easy – if you follow the social norms and unwritten rules.
Flesch-Kincaid Readability Test
This post is understandable by someone with at least a 7th-grade education (age 13).
On the Flesch-Kincaid reading-ease test, this post scores 75.
The easier a passage is to read, the higher the score on a scale of 0 – 100.
