stuffed shirt
👔 stuffed shirt
Concrete Meaning
A person who behaves in a very formal, pompous, or self-important way, often lacking genuine personality.
💬 Context & Examples
Used to criticize traditional, rigid bureaucrats or arrogant individuals in high-society or corporate settings.
- "The board of directors is just a room full of stuffed shirts who don't understand the modern market."
- "I thought he was a stuffed shirt at first, but he actually has a great sense of humor."
🧠 Pattern Challenge
Test Yourself
What does the image of a "stuffed shirt" tell us about the person's true substance?
Show Answer
It implies the person is hollow inside—just clothing stuffed with padding to look impressive, lacking real character or warmth.