hussy up

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

Meaning · English

To dress so as to be more sexually attractive, often applying excessive makeup or wearing revealing clothing.

Register: colloquial, derogatory

Where it’s used: Used American English

Examples

Look at her, all hussied up with her makeup and fishnet stockings! For shame!

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).

Common questions

What does “hussy up” mean?

To dress so as to be more sexually attractive, often applying excessive makeup or wearing revealing clothing.

Is “hussy up” formal or informal?

hussy up is generally colloquial, derogatory.