What kind of bird is a stiff man?

It is not often possible to hear the use of this word. Most often, the phrase "prim woman" is spoken by discussing the English. After all, they have aristocratic restraint, are emphatically mannered and polite, follow all the rules of decency, norms of behavior and upbringing.

Origin of the word

Although there is a stereotype that a prim woman -it's an Englishman, but this adjective has nothing to do with either the English or the representatives of other nations. The dictionaries give such an interpretation of the word "prim": a man who demonstrates a strict, restrained manner of behavior, which emphatically observes all accepted conventions and rules of decency.

The origin of the word is not exactly known, however,presumably, it is connected with the Ukrainian language, in which there is a verb "to crap" - to preen. From this verb formed one of the most common surnames - Chepurnaya (neat, smart, tidy). In turn, these words stemmed from the Slavonic words "cheporit", "chapuritsya." In the dictionary of Dahl there is such an interpretation of these words - "puff, boast like chapura." Now this word has little to say to the man in the street. Chapura is dialectic, meaning the heron.

Modern use

What is a primordial person at the present time? Of course, he is remotely similar to the image of a strict and reserved aristocrat emerging in his head. Now, in order to be prim, do not have to relate to the nobility. Many people build around themselves walls of mannerisms, bombast in order to protect themselves from unwanted meetings, communication, unceremonious surrounding, to avoid unnecessary, inappropriate feelings and emotions. Prudent person also limits himself in the choice of manifestations and deeds, giving himself to the disposal of conventions, stereotypes, attitudes. However, one should also pay tribute to the fact that the equanimity and self-control inherent in such people are extremely rare in our time.