pejorative language - A derogatory word for a splendid person


In Swedish there is a word "präktig" that can be used to describe a person that is annoyingly decent, reliable and good in every way. The common translation is "splendid" but that doesn't sound derogatory at all. "Pompous" is the closest I've come, but that is a character flaw and doesn't really fit. So is there an English word that can be used to describe a perfect person that also indicates that he/she is too perfect?



Answer



A goody-goody (One who is affectedly sweet, good, or virtuous) is a typical derisive name for someone who really is a decent person, but makes others feel defensive about their own flaws. Ned Flanders on the Simpsons is the most decent human being on the show, but it drives most people (especially Homer) crazy. (He donates a kidney and a lung out of the goodness of his heart to whoever needs them first.) This is also known as a goody two shoes.


A killjoy (one who spoils the pleasure of others) may be so called because he/she disapproves of bad behavior. It may also be applied to a pessimist who just likes to spoil things for others, though.


If a person is truly good, you will not find a derogatory term for them unless it's based on jealousy. A goody-goody is cloyingly good, or seen to be affected, but that is as close as you'll get to a truly good person who annoys others.


Other words are sanctimonious (making a show of being morally superior to other people), pious (devoutly religious), godly (no negative connotation except to atheists), saintly (very holy or virtuous) which may be used sarcastically or in jealously, irreproachable (beyond criticism; faultless), immaculate (spotlessly clean) which would be hyperbolic.


Whiter than white/snow (benevolent or without malicious intent; pure, honest and moral) carries a bit of a defensive tone.


Erroneous labels for a good person which may be misapplied out of jealousy are: canting(affectedly pious or righteous), holier-than-thou (characterized by an attitude of moral superiority; marked by an air of superior piety or morality), pietistic, priggish (a self-righteously moralistic person who behaves as if superior to others), self-righteous, too good to be true.


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