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Tight-ass
01
a person who is excessively rigid, conventional, or uptight in behavior, opinions, manners, or tastes
Dialect
American
American
Slang
Grammatical Information
What is the origin of the term "tight-ass" and how is it used?
"Tight-ass" is American slang that appeared in the mid-20th century and combines "tight" (meaning tense, restrictive, or unwilling to loosen up) with "ass" as a crude intensifier. The metaphor suggests someone figuratively clenched or rigid, unwilling to relax rules, money, or attitudes. It came to describe people seen as overly conventional, uptight, or strict in behavior or opinions. The term is used in informal speech, often in criticism or teasing. It is mildly derogatory and vulgar but usually not among the strongest insults.
Examples
The new manager is a real tight-ass – he wo n't let anyone bend the dress code even on Fridays.
