Pronunciation: [pɹˈuːdɪʃ az ɐn ˈə͡ʊld mˈe͡ɪd] (IPA)
When someone is described as "prudish as an old maid," it generally means they are overly strict or uptight when it comes to moral or social behaviors. There are a variety of other terms that can be used to describe this type of person, including puritanical, rigid, austere, ascetic, severe, or buttoned-up. These words all convey a similar sense of someone who is excessively strict or narrow-minded in their beliefs or practices. While it's important to have some degree of moral discipline, being too prudish can interfere with social interactions and limit one's ability to form meaningful connections with others.