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A prude (Old French prude) is a person who is described as being overly concerned with decorum or propriety. They may be perceived as being uncomfortable with sexuality, nudity, alcohol, drug use or mischief. It can also refer to a person that has little sexual experience, despite the fact they may want to engage in such behavior.

The name is generally considered to mean excessive modesty, and hence unflattering, and is often used as an insult. A person who is considered a prude may have reservations about nudity, participating in romantic or sexual activity, drinking alcohol or consuming other drugs, or participating in mischief. These reservations may stem from shyness or strict moral beliefs. Actions or beliefs that may cause someone to be labeled a prude include advocating or practising abstinence, advocating prohibition, advocating censorship of sexuality or nudity in media, disapproval of being topless in public, avoiding or condemning displays of affection, or exhibiting unusual levels of discomfort with sexuality, alcohol, drugs, or mischief.

Like modesty, one's perceived prudishness may vary according to who is present.

Sexually repressed or sexually repressive are other terms used to describe people who might be labeled prudes. The term Puritan is sometimes used in the same way, reflecting the stereotype image of members of the Puritan religious sect.

See also

• Prig
• Puritan
• Sex-negativity