Goody Two-Shoes 👠
A self-righteous, smugly virtuous person. The term traces its origins back to the title and main character of a nursery tale, “The History of Goody Two-Shoes” (1765), purportedly authored by Oliver Goldsmith. In the story, the protagonist possessed only a single shoe, and her exultation upon receiving a full pair led her to ecstatically show them off, proclaiming, “Two shoes.” Fast forward to today, and the term has morphed into “goody-goody”, often used derogatorily as in, “She’s a real goody-goody, always playing up to her boss.”
Related and Similar Terms:
- Goody-goody: Someone overly virtuous or self-righteously respectable.
- Brown-noser: Slang for someone who clearly seeks to ingratiate themselves with someone in power.
- Holier-than-thou: Someone who acts as if they are morally superior to others.
Synonyms:
- Prig
- Pedant
- Know-it-all
Antonyms:
- Rebel
- Maverick
- Nonconformist
Educational and Entertaining Quotes:
“A goody-two-shoes never wins the dance-off.” – W.T. Wittywords
“There is no virtue in the smug proclamation; show your shoes through your steps.” – Time-Trusted Proverbs
Proverbs:
- “Virtue is not hereditary.” – From “Proverbs” by William G. Benham.
- “Self-praise is no recommendation.” – Common proverbial wisdom suggesting genuine humility.
Literature and Books:
- Tom Brown’s School Days by Thomas Hughes – A tale of school life in which characters embody or challenge virtues.
- Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett – For a humorous take on conceptions of good and evil.
Movies:
- The Devil Wears Prada (2006) – Explores submissive self-righteousness in the workplace.
- Legally Blonde (2001) – Featuring a different spin on perceptions and surprises around stereotypes.
Songs:
- “Goody Two Shoes” by Adam Ant – A cheeky 80s hit thematically aligned with the subject.
- “Hillbilly Blood” by John Moss – explores rebellious spirits and nonconformity.
Poetry:
- “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost – Lends perspectives on individual choices without aligning to being self-righteous.
What better way to end our whimsical journey through the meadows of clichés than with this thought:
Even when donning the finest pair of shoes, it is the steps you take that ultimately define you.
Stay curiously quotable, Eleanor Phrasecrafter
