puppyism UK /ˈpʌpiɪz(ə)m/US /ˈpəpiˌɪzəm/ noun2 •(literary, old-fashioned) Conceit, vanity, or arrogant behaviour, especially that of a pretentious or self-important young man.I think him a very handsome young man, and his manners are precisely what I like and approve—so truly the gentleman, without the least conceit or puppyism. — 1816 •(no longer used) Extreme meanness or impudence.There is a puppyism in infidelity for which I have no patience. — 1847 formspuppyisms