hussy up
C1 slang inseparable intransitive
In simple words
To dress in a way that is meant to be sexy or attention-grabbing.
Literal meaning: To act like or make oneself look like a 'hussy' (a bold or promiscuous woman) — the literal noun forms the base of the verb.
Meanings
1 C1
idiomatic
slang
To dress or style oneself in a provocative or sexually suggestive way.
"She hussied herself up before heading out to the party."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Rare and considered offensive or derogatory by many speakers, as it derives from the pejorative noun 'hussy'. Mainly encountered in informal American speech or older texts. Use with caution.
Commonly used with
herself for the night before going out
Forms
Base
hussy up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
hussies up
he/she/it
Past simple
hussied up
yesterday
Past participle
hussied up
have + pp
-ing form
hussying up
continuous
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