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Synonyms

gussy up

British  
/ ˈɡʌsɪ /

verb

  1. slang to give (a person or thing) a smarter or more interesting appearance

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of gussy up

C20: probably from the name Gussie, diminutive of Augusta

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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

From Salon • Jan. 31, 2024

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

He and Ms. Jacobs got to chatting, and he told her that he wanted to gussy up his place, too, and grow wisteria.

From New York Times • Dec. 3, 2021

Depending on how you like to gussy up your voice for chats, streams, or podcast appearances, you might be able to get some solid performance out of the Icepop.

From The Verge • Aug. 10, 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