Whiteisms
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Etymology Journal ยท G

Gussied up

Meaning

Dressed in fancy or elaborate clothing, often for a special occasion. It implies a bit of effort or perhaps being slightly overdressed for the setting.

Casual, observant

Used in a sentence

  • We are just going to a diner, you do not need to get all gussied up.
  • She got all gussied up for her date at the theater.
  • Why is everyone so gussied up for a backyard barbecue?

The backstory

This is thought to be derived from the name Gussie, which was a common nickname for Augusta in the late 19th century. It became slang for someone who was dressed to impress.

Heard in

The South, Midwest

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