1 B1 informal
To make a place, object, or dish look more attractive by adding decorative elements.
"She fancied up the plain cupcakes with gold sprinkles and edible flowers."
separable
fancy up
B1 informal separable transitive
To make something or someone look more attractive, special, or impressive, often by adding decorative touches.
In plain English
To make something look nicer or fancier.
What does "fancy up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 informal
To dress oneself in a more stylish or elegant way.
"The kids fancied themselves up for their grandmother's birthday dinner."
separable
Usage tip
Common in American informal English. Often used about food, rooms, clothing, or presentations. Can be used reflexively ('fancy yourself up').
Words that pair with "fancy up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
outfit dish recipe room presentation yourself
How to conjugate "fancy up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
fancy up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
fancies up
he/she/it
Past simple
fancied up
yesterday
Past participle
fancied up
have + pp
-ing form
fancying up
continuous
Hear "fancy up" in the wild
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Other ways to say "fancy up"
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