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Primp vs Prim - What's the difference?

primp | prim |

As verbs the difference between primp and prim

is that primp is to spend time improving one's appearance (often in front of a mirror) while prim is to make affectedly precise or proper.

As an adjective prim is

prudish, straight-laced.

As a noun prim is

privet.

primp

English

Verb

  • To spend time improving one's appearance (often in front of a mirror).
  • *2001 Jo-Ann Mapson, "Bad Girl Creek"
  • **"Then I promise I'll let you take your bath and primp all day for your date."

    • See also

    * preen

    prim

    English

    Etymology 1

    (etyl) prim, prin, from (etyl) (lena) .

    Adjective

    (primmer)
  • prudish, straight-laced
  • formal; precise; affectedly neat or nice
    • prim''' regularity; a '''prim person
    (Jonathan Swift)
    Usage notes
    Often used in the collocation “prim and proper”.
    Derived terms
    * prim and proper * prissy

    Verb

  • (dated) To make affectedly precise or proper.
  • (dated) To dress or act smartly.

    • Etymology 2

    See privet.

    Noun

  • (botany) privet
    • (Webster 1913) ----