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."
separable
gay up
C1 informal separable transitive
An archaic or dated expression meaning to make something more lively, colourful, or cheerful.
In plain English
To make something look brighter and more fun.
What does "gay up" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To make something gay — joyful and bright — in the older sense of 'gay' meaning cheerful.
Actually means
To make something look brighter and more fun.
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "gay up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
room party decorations occasion atmosphere
How to conjugate "gay up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "gay up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "gay up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "gay up"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
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