gussy up

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Also seen as: gussie up

Sense 1

Meaning · English

To don fancy clothing; to dress up particularly in flattering or specially altered garments.

Register: informal

Where it’s used: Used American English

Examples

You bet she'll gussy up for the party.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

To make fancy or attractive, as by artificial or contrived means.

Register: informal

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “gussy up” mean?

To don fancy clothing; to dress up particularly in flattering or specially altered garments.

Is “gussy up” formal or informal?

gussy up is generally informal.