Uptight
adjective
Feeling anxious, nervous, or both.
I always get uptight before exams.
Often appears as...
- feel uptight
- get uptight
adjective
Strict and unable to relax, not comfortable with change or new ideas.
Her father was a bit uptight and old-fashioned.
Often appears as...
- uptight parent
- uptight boss
Usage tips
Disapproving
adjective
Feeling anxious, nervous, or both.
I always get uptight before exams.
Often appears as...
- feel uptight
- get uptight
adjective
Strict and unable to relax, not comfortable with change or new ideas.
Her father was a bit uptight and old-fashioned.
Often appears as...
- uptight parent
- uptight boss
Usage tips
Disapproving
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Stress Indicator
Use 'uptight' to describe someone visibly stressed or anxious, not just feeling so internally.
He seemed uptight with all the pacing and hand-wringing.
Pro Tip 2/3Temporary State
'Uptight' often refers to a temporary state due to a specific situation, unlike a permanent trait.
She's only uptight when she's presenting in front of the class.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Charge
It can carry a negative connotation, implying a lack of calm or composure.
Don't be so uptight; the interview will go fine.
Pro Tip 1/3Stress Indicator
Use 'uptight' to describe someone visibly stressed or anxious, not just feeling so internally.
He seemed uptight with all the pacing and hand-wringing.
Pro Tip 2/3Temporary State
'Uptight' often refers to a temporary state due to a specific situation, unlike a permanent trait.
She's only uptight when she's presenting in front of the class.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Charge
It can carry a negative connotation, implying a lack of calm or composure.
Don't be so uptight; the interview will go fine.
Pro Tip 1/3Stress Indicator
Use 'uptight' to describe someone visibly stressed or anxious, not just feeling so internally.
He seemed uptight with all the pacing and hand-wringing.
Pro Tip 2/3Temporary State
'Uptight' often refers to a temporary state due to a specific situation, unlike a permanent trait.
She's only uptight when she's presenting in front of the class.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Charge
It can carry a negative connotation, implying a lack of calm or composure.
Don't be so uptight; the interview will go fine.
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Video examples
"my mama" / "BLACK...
They're living a lie don't make as fool of yourself too soon Lining my bananas on the window sill to ripen When the time is right I'll move alright so don't get too uptight Bananananana sekasanaide
Video examples
"my mama" / "BLACK...
They're living a lie don't make as fool of yourself too soon Lining my bananas on the window sill to ripen When the time is right I'll move alright so don't get too uptight Bananananana sekasanaide
Example 1 of 1
Quote examples
Jerry Leiber
American Musician
I felt black. I was as far as I was concerned. And I wanted to be black for lots of reasons. They were better musicians, they were better athletes, they were not uptight about sex, and they knew how to enjoy life better than most people.
Quote examples
Amber Valletta
American Model
If I could give my younger self some advice at that time, I'd tell her to enjoy the ride and don't be afraid to ask questions. I was quite responsible, uptight, and worried - I'd tell myself to chill out.
Quote examples
Francesca Hayward
English Dancer
I'm quite relaxed - I know it's important not to get too uptight about things as a dancer, but when it came to my voice I realised that everything you eat, everything you drink affects it.
Quote examples
Amanda Peet
American Actress
I try to be really hippie about things. I'm uptight in all the ways that are really important, but the things my husband and family can benefit from my uptightness, I'm completely lacking.
Quote examples
Nikki Sixx
American Musician
It takes all kinds to make the world go 'round. If everyone was straight-laced and uptight, it would sure be a drag. We need a little tug of war in society.
Quote examples
Louis Tomlinson
English Musician
I like someone who doesn't take life too seriously. I hate people who are a bit uptight.
Quote examples
Danielle Steel
American Novelist
I'm probably the most uptight, conservative person you'll meet. I'm very religious.
Quote examples
Tony Robinson
English Actor
The work that I do doesn't make me feel uptight, It energises me.
Quote examples
Miranda Otto
Australian Actress
I guess I find it easy to play uptight characters.
Quote examples
Drew Barrymore
American Actress
I'm certainly not an uptight home owner.
Quote examples
Jerry Leiber
American Musician
I felt black. I was as far as I was concerned. And I wanted to be black for lots of reasons. They were better musicians, they were better athletes, they were not uptight about sex, and they knew how to enjoy life better than most people.
Quote examples
Amber Valletta
American Model
If I could give my younger self some advice at that time, I'd tell her to enjoy the ride and don't be afraid to ask questions. I was quite responsible, uptight, and worried - I'd tell myself to chill out.
Quote examples
Francesca Hayward
English Dancer
I'm quite relaxed - I know it's important not to get too uptight about things as a dancer, but when it came to my voice I realised that everything you eat, everything you drink affects it.
Quote examples
Amanda Peet
American Actress
I try to be really hippie about things. I'm uptight in all the ways that are really important, but the things my husband and family can benefit from my uptightness, I'm completely lacking.
Quote examples
Nikki Sixx
American Musician
It takes all kinds to make the world go 'round. If everyone was straight-laced and uptight, it would sure be a drag. We need a little tug of war in society.
Quote examples
Louis Tomlinson
English Musician
I like someone who doesn't take life too seriously. I hate people who are a bit uptight.
Quote examples
Danielle Steel
American Novelist
I'm probably the most uptight, conservative person you'll meet. I'm very religious.
Quote examples
Tony Robinson
English Actor
The work that I do doesn't make me feel uptight, It energises me.
Quote examples
Miranda Otto
Australian Actress
I guess I find it easy to play uptight characters.
Quote examples
Drew Barrymore
American Actress
I'm certainly not an uptight home owner.
Example 1 of 10
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