strait-lace: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Literary
Quick answer
What does “strait-lace” mean?
Excessively strict in matters of morality, behavior, or appearance.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Excessively strict in matters of morality, behavior, or appearance; rigidly conventional.
Describes a person, attitude, or environment characterized by narrow, inflexible adherence to traditional codes of conduct, often with a judgmental or prudish quality.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The spelling 'strait-laced' is standard in both varieties. The hyphen is often retained. The concept and usage are identical.
Connotations
Identical connotations of prudishness, rigidity, and old-fashioned moral strictness.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both dialects, found more in writing than casual speech.
Grammar
How to Use “strait-lace” in a Sentence
[be] strait-laced[find someone] strait-laced[consider someone] strait-lacedVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “strait-lace” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- Her strait-laced grandparents were scandalised by the modern art exhibition.
- The village had a famously strait-laced reputation in the Victorian era.
American English
- His strait-laced boss frowned upon casual Fridays.
- She found the political climate in the town to be unbearably strait-laced.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used. Might describe an overly conservative corporate culture.
Academic
Used in historical, sociological, or literary analysis to describe social mores.
Everyday
Used to critically describe someone's overly strict or old-fashioned attitudes.
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “strait-lace”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “strait-lace”
- Misspelling as 'straight-laced' (common error; 'strait' is correct).
- Using it as a positive term (it is almost always pejorative).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The correct historical spelling is 'strait-laced' (from 'strait' meaning narrow or tight). However, 'straight-laced' is a very common modern variant and is often accepted.
It is almost always used as a criticism or mild insult, implying someone is overly rigid, prudish, or old-fashioned in their views.
Yes, it can describe atmospheres, societies, upbringings, attitudes, or rules (e.g., a strait-laced office, a strait-laced upbringing).
It originates from the 16th century, referring to a tightly laced bodice or corset ('strait' meaning tight or narrow). It was metaphorically extended to mean narrowly restricted in morals or manners.
Excessively strict in matters of morality, behavior, or appearance.
Strait-lace is usually formal, literary in register.
Strait-lace: in British English it is pronounced /ˌstreɪt ˈleɪst/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌstreɪt ˈleɪst/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Tight-laced (near synonym, less common)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a corset laced very tightly (strait = tight, narrow) – it's restrictive and uncomfortable, just like a 'strait-laced' person's morality.
Conceptual Metaphor
MORALITY IS A CONSTRICTING GARMENT (tightly laced clothing restricts movement; strict morality restricts behavior).
Practice
Quiz
What is the core meaning of 'strait-laced'?