Sanctimonious slang can be a fun and sassy way to describe those who come off as holier-than-thou. Whether you’ve encountered these individuals in real life or online, it’s always handy to have the right words to express your sentiments. Let us guide you through a list of the most entertaining and spot-on slang terms for the sanctimonious types out there. Get ready to level up your vocabulary game and add some spice to your conversations!
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1. Holier-than-thou
This term describes someone who acts morally superior or self-righteous, often looking down on others for not meeting their standards.
- For example, someone might say, “She always acts holier-than-thou and judges everyone else’s choices.”
- In a discussion about religious beliefs, one might comment, “I can’t stand when people get holier-than-thou and think they’re the only ones who are right.”
- A person might say, “Don’t be so holier-than-thou just because you follow a certain lifestyle.”
2. Self-righteous
This term refers to someone who believes they are morally superior to others and often judges or criticizes them for not living up to their own standards.
- For instance, someone might say, “He’s always so self-righteous, thinking he’s better than everyone else.”
- In a conversation about politics, one might comment, “I can’t stand when politicians act self-righteous and refuse to compromise.”
- A person might say, “Stop being so self-righteous and realize that everyone makes mistakes.”
3. Pious
This term describes someone who is deeply religious and follows religious principles and practices with great devotion.
- For example, someone might say, “She’s very pious and attends church every day.”
- In a discussion about religious customs, one might comment, “Pious individuals often engage in regular prayer and fasting.”
- A person might say, “His pious beliefs guide every decision he makes.”
4. Pharisaical
This term refers to someone who acts in a hypocritically self-righteous manner, often claiming to be virtuous while disregarding their own faults.
- For instance, someone might say, “He’s so pharisaical, preaching about honesty while lying himself.”
- In a conversation about moral values, one might comment, “Pharisaical behavior undermines the credibility of those who claim to be righteous.”
- A person might say, “Don’t be pharisaical and judge others when you’re not perfect yourself.”
5. Sanctimonious
This term describes someone who acts morally superior and judgmental, often pretending to be virtuous while disregarding their own faults.
- For example, someone might say, “She’s so sanctimonious, lecturing others about environmentalism while driving a gas-guzzling car.”
- In a discussion about ethics, one might comment, “Sanctimonious individuals often lack self-awareness and fail to recognize their own flaws.”
- A person might say, “His sanctimonious attitude is unbearable; he acts like he’s better than everyone else.”
6. Priggish
This term describes someone who is excessively concerned with proper behavior and looks down on others who do not meet their standards. A priggish person is often seen as pompous and judgmental.
- For example, someone might say, “She always acts priggish, like she’s better than everyone else.”
- In a discussion about manners, one might comment, “I can’t stand people who are priggish about table etiquette.”
- A person might describe a coworker as “priggish” if they constantly criticize others for not following company policies.
7. Smug
When someone is smug, they have a strong sense of superiority and self-satisfaction. They believe they are better or more intelligent than others, and often show it through their attitude or expressions.
- For instance, someone might say, “He always has a smug look on his face, like he knows something we don’t.”
- In a conversation about achievements, one might comment, “She’s so smug about her promotion, it’s annoying.”
- A person might describe a politician as “smug” if they constantly boast about their accomplishments without considering the needs of others.
8. Hypocritical
Being hypocritical means behaving in a way that contradicts one’s own stated beliefs or values. It refers to someone who says one thing but does another, often criticizing others for actions they themselves engage in.
- For example, someone might say, “It’s hypocritical of him to preach about healthy eating while constantly eating fast food.”
- In a discussion about politics, one might comment, “Many politicians are hypocritical, promising one thing during their campaign and doing the opposite once in office.”
- A person might describe a friend as “hypocritical” if they constantly give advice but never follow it themselves.
9. Preachy
When someone is preachy, they constantly give unwanted advice or moral lessons to others. They often act as if they have all the answers and try to impose their beliefs on others.
- For instance, someone might say, “She’s so preachy, always telling me how to live my life.”
- In a conversation about relationships, one might comment, “I can’t stand it when people get preachy about who I should date.”
- A person might describe a coworker as “preachy” if they constantly lecture others about work habits or ethics.
10. Goody-two-shoes
This term is used to describe someone who always follows the rules and behaves in a morally upright manner. A goody-two-shoes is often seen as overly virtuous or prudish.
- For example, someone might say, “She’s such a goody-two-shoes, never even bends the rules a little.”
- In a discussion about rebellion, one might comment, “I used to be a goody-two-shoes, but now I enjoy breaking the rules once in a while.”
- A person might describe a classmate as “goody-two-shoes” if they always remind the teacher about homework assignments.
11. Prudish
This term refers to someone who is excessively concerned with modesty and propriety, often to the point of being judgmental or censorious. A prudish person may disapprove of behavior or language they consider to be vulgar or immoral.
- For example, someone might say, “Don’t be so prudish, it’s just a harmless joke.”
- In a discussion about sexuality, a person might argue, “Prudish attitudes towards sex can lead to shame and repression.”
- A person describing a conservative upbringing might say, “My parents were very prudish and didn’t allow any swearing or revealing clothing.”
12. Moralistic
This term describes someone who is excessively concerned with moral values and often judges others based on their perceived lack of morality. A moralistic person may believe they are morally superior to others and act in a self-righteous or sanctimonious manner.
- For instance, someone might say, “She’s always preaching about right and wrong, she’s so moralistic.”
- In a debate about personal choices, a person might argue, “It’s not fair for moralistic people to impose their beliefs on others.”
- A person describing a strict religious community might say, “The town was known for its moralistic attitudes and strict adherence to traditional values.”
13. High-and-mighty
This term describes someone who behaves in a superior or condescending manner, often due to a perceived sense of superiority or self-importance. A high-and-mighty person may believe they are better than others and act accordingly.
- For example, someone might say, “He always acts high-and-mighty, like he’s better than everyone else.”
- In a discussion about workplace dynamics, a person might say, “The boss acts high-and-mighty and never listens to the opinions of others.”
- A person describing a snobby acquaintance might say, “She’s always looking down her nose at people, so high-and-mighty.”
14. Condescending
This term describes someone who talks down to others and treats them as if they are inferior or less intelligent. A condescending person may use a superior tone or language to belittle or demean others.
- For instance, someone might say, “Stop being so condescending, I’m capable of understanding.”
- In a discussion about communication styles, a person might argue, “Using condescending language only creates hostility and resentment.”
- A person describing a rude coworker might say, “He’s always making condescending remarks and acting like he’s better than everyone else.”
15. Judgmental
This term describes someone who is quick to form opinions or make judgments about others, often without considering all the facts or circumstances. A judgmental person may be overly critical or dismissive of others based on their perceived flaws or differences.
- For example, someone might say, “She’s so judgmental, always assuming the worst about people.”
- In a discussion about empathy, a person might argue, “Being judgmental prevents us from truly understanding others.”
- A person describing a friend’s negative behavior might say, “I love her, but she can be very judgmental and harsh.”