gussy

American  

[guhs-ee] / ˈgʌs i /

verb (used with object)

gussied, gussying

1. to enhance the attractiveness of in a gimmicky, showy manner (usually followed byup ).

   a room gussied up with mirrors and lights.

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verb (used without object)

gussied, gussying

1. to dress in one's best clothes (usually followed byup ).

   to gussy up for the ball.

Etymology

Origin of gussy

First recorded in 1935–40; of obscure origin

Example Sentences

Some people add strange things to gussy up their brew, from butter to any mixture of saccharine syrups.

From Salon • Jan. 31, 2024

A liar just has an overwhelming need to gussy it up.

From Salon • May 6, 2023

Dolly Parton is starting an apparel brand for dogs that will let pet owners gussy up their pups just like the legendary country music singer.

From Washington Times • Sep. 1, 2022

Nor did the Beatles seem to gussy themselves up much for their last public appearance on a London rooftop — the climax of “Get Back.”

From New York Times • Dec. 11, 2021

“Let’s try it! We’ll just take Miss St. James’s hairbrush and a perfume bottle or two—something to gussy up Theo’s room and make it look as though a young lady lives there.”

From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse