Prissy describes someone who acts overly proper, fussy, or easily offended by small things, especially in a way that seems exaggerated or annoying. A prissy person might refuse to sit on the grass because they're worried about getting a tiny speck of dirt on their clothes, or complain dramatically about the smallest inconvenience.

The word often suggests someone is more concerned with appearing refined or correct than with actually enjoying themselves. If a classmate won't join a fun game because they don't want to mess up their hair, or refuses to eat pizza because they think it's too messy, someone might call them prissy. A prissy eater might pick at their food and make a big deal about how things are prepared.

While there's nothing wrong with caring about cleanliness or having standards, prissy implies taking these concerns too far, to the point where it gets in the way of normal activities or fun. It's similar to being uptight or fussy, and it can come across as putting on airs. The word can apply to anyone, though it's more commonly used to describe people who seem overly delicate or easily bothered by ordinary, everyday messiness.