goody-goody

[ good-ee-good-ee ]

noun

, plural good·y-good·ies.

1. a person who is self-righteously, affectedly, or cloyingly good.

adjective

1. self-righteously or cloyingly good; affecting goodness.

goody-goody

noun

1. a smugly virtuous or sanctimonious person

adjective

1. smug and sanctimonious

Word History and Origins

Origin of goody-goody¹

First recorded in 1870–75; reduplication of goody ²

Example Sentences

She elevates the role which, frankly, is a little thin: the sweet, high-ponytailed, goody-goody who doesn't even have her ears pierced.

From Salon

A sweet doe-eyed goody-goody, she wore little dresses that revealed occasional glimpses of white cotton underwear.

From BBC

“I’ve been fighting that goody-goody stuff for years, because if you let people make you out to be perfect there just ain’t no margin for error,” he told his children.

From New York Times

She was a little too bland and goody-goody for my taste at first — never mind that Hillary Clinton is a fan.

From Washington Post

"He was the player fraternity boy and I was the goody-goody," Fenner said.

From Fox News