gussy up

/ ˈɡʌsɪ /

verb

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of gussy up¹

C20: probably from the name Gussie, diminutive of Augusta

Example Sentences

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

From Salon

Even attempting to gussy up the brew with creamers or syrups did next to nothing and barely amounted to much.

From Salon

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

Ms. Fee has been trying to gussy up less expensive — but also less healthy — dishes like mac and cheese by tossing in tuna or vegetables.

From New York Times

In a segment this week on the Today Show, she offered a brilliant suggestion: how to gussy up plain ol', store-bought vanilla ice cream and make it into a dinner party-worthy dessert.

From Salon

Related Words

• adorn
• bedeck
• brighten
• deck
• do up
• dress up
• festoon
• fix up
• grace
• illuminate
• paint
• renovate
• spruce up
• trim