It is rare to hear the use of this word. Most often, the phrase "stiff man" is said, discussing the British. After all, they have aristocratic restraint, emphasized manners and polite, follow all the rules of decency, norms of behavior and education.
Origin of the word
Although there is a stereotype that the stiff man is an Englishman, however, this adjective has nothing to do with either the English or representatives of other nations. Dictionaries give such an interpretation of the word “prim”: a person who demonstrates a strict, restrained manner of behavior, emphasizing all accepted conventions and rules of decency.
The origin of the word is not exactly known, however, presumably, it is associated with the Ukrainian language, in which there is the verb "to peal off" - to preen. From this verb, one of the common surnames is formed - Chepurnaya (neat, dapper, dandy). In turn, these words are derived from the Slavic words "get smoked", "chopped." In the Dahl dictionary there is such an interpretation of these words - "to be important, to boast like chapar". Now this word says little to the average man. Chapura is a dialectic denoting a heron.
Modern use
What does prim person mean at the present time? Of course, he is vaguely similar to the image of a strict and reserved aristocrat that pops up in his head. Now, to be stiff, one does not have to relate to the nobility. Many people erect walls around themselves out of mannerism, pomp in order to protect themselves from unwanted meetings, communication, the unceremoniousness of others, and to avoid unnecessary, inappropriate feelings and emotions. A prim person also limits himself in the choice of manifestations and actions, putting himself at the disposal of conventions, stereotypes, and attitudes. However, one should also pay tribute to the fact that the equanimity and composure inherent in such people are extremely rare in our time.