1 C1 idiomatic informal
To make a place, event, or object look more elegant, expensive, or luxurious.
"They've really poshed up the old pub — it looks like a boutique hotel now."
separable
posh up
C1 informal separable transitive
To make something or someone more elegant, luxurious, or upper-class in appearance.
In plain English
To make something look fancier or more expensive than it normally is.
What does "posh up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 idiomatic informal
To dress oneself or another person in smarter, more elegant clothing.
"You'd better posh yourself up a bit — it's a very fancy restaurant."
separable
Usage tip
Distinctly British informal English. The adjective 'posh' (meaning upper-class or luxurious) forms the base. Often used with mild irony or humour. Can be used reflexively ('posh yourself up') or applied to places and events.
Words that pair with "posh up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
restaurant pub outfit event image venue
How to conjugate "posh up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
posh up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
poshes up
he/she/it
Past simple
poshed up
yesterday
Past participle
poshed up
have + pp
-ing form
poshing up
continuous
Hear "posh up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "posh up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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