pearl-clutching

or pearl clutch·ing

[ purl kluhch-ing ]
/ ˈpɜrl ˌklʌtʃ ɪŋ /

noun

outrage or dramatic protest, especially from a woman, caused by something the person perceives as vulgar, in bad taste, or morally wrong but that does not elicit a similarly strong reaction from most other people: pearl-clutching over sexual jokes; so much fake pearl-clutching by the candidates.

adjective

noting or relating to someone, especially a woman, who is easily offended or shocked by things the person perceives as vulgar, in bad taste, or morally wrong: pearl-clutching gasps from the audience; pearl-clutching conservatives.

Origin of pearl-clutching

First recorded in 2000–05; see origin at pearl, clutch1, -ing1, -ing2

OTHER WORDS FROM pearl-clutching

pearl-clutch, verb (used without object) pearl-clutch·er, noun

Words nearby pearl-clutching

pearl oyster, pearl perch, pearl river, pearl tapioca, pearl tumor, pearl-clutching, pearland, pearlash, pearler, pearlescent, pearleye

Example sentences from the Web for pearl-clutching