gussy

[ guhs-ee ]

verb (used with object)

, gus·sied, gus·sy·ing.

1. to enhance the attractiveness of in a gimmicky, showy manner (usually followed by up ):

   a room gussied up with mirrors and lights.

verb (used without object)

, gus·sied, gus·sy·ing.

1. to dress in one's best clothes (usually followed by up ):

   to gussy up for the ball.

Word History and Origins

Origin of gussy¹

First recorded in 1935–40; of obscure origin

Example Sentences

If you want to serve them as an after dinner dessert, you can gussy them up by plating them with fresh raspberries or strawberries, but I think they are best suited for a more casual occasion, or for no occasion at all!

From Salon

I tend to like to gussy it up a bit.

From Salon

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

From Salon

As Sheela Prakash writes in The Kitchn, you can use them to gussy up baked goods, add a dash or two to a poaching or macerating liquid for fruit or even incorporate some into a super-special maple syrup infusion for pancakes, waffles and French toast.

From Salon

Augusta "Gussy" Clay has a sweet look as he sits with a child on his knee.

From BBC