gay up
C1 informal separable transitive
In simple words
To make something look brighter and more fun.
Literal meaning: To make something gay — joyful and bright — in the older sense of 'gay' meaning cheerful.
Meanings
1 C1 informal
(Dated) To decorate or brighten something to make it more cheerful and attractive.
"They gaied up the hall with streamers and paper lanterns for the spring festival."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Now essentially obsolete in its original sense due to the dominant modern meaning of 'gay'. Found mainly in texts from the early-to-mid 20th century and before. Modern speakers should avoid this phrase as it will almost certainly be misunderstood.
Commonly used with
room party decorations occasion atmosphere
Forms
Base
gay up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
gays up
he/she/it
Past simple
gayed up
yesterday
Past participle
gayed up
have + pp
-ing form
gaying up
continuous
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Synonyms
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