glow-up
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
A major improvement in oneself, usually an improvement in appearance, confidence, personality, and style. Frequently used in a context relating to puberty. A "glow-down" is a situation where someone's appearance has declined.
Register: informalEra: 2020s
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
• Gen Z / internet register
Sources & notes
Adapted from Wikipedia “Glossary of 2020s slang” (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30). US Gen Z / internet usage.
Common questions
What does “glow-up” mean?
A major improvement in oneself, usually an improvement in appearance, confidence, personality, and style. Frequently used in a context relating to puberty. A "glow-down" is a situation where someone's appearance has declined.
Is “glow-up” formal or informal?
glow-up is generally informal.