1 B2 idiomatic informal
to spend time making yourself look neat or attractive
"She went upstairs to primp up before the guests arrived."
both
primp up
B2 informal both transitive/intransitive
to make yourself look more attractive by grooming carefully
In plain English
to fix your hair, clothes, or face so you look nicer
What does "primp up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 idiomatic informal
to make another person or thing look more stylish or attractive
"They primped the front room up with new curtains and flowers."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
Literally, to decorate or make neat upward.
Actually means
to fix your hair, clothes, or face so you look nicer
Usage tip
Usually used about personal appearance and often suggests a slightly vain or playful tone.
Words that pair with "primp up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
hair makeup appearance before the party in the mirror for dinner
How to conjugate "primp up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
primp up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
primps up
he/she/it
Past simple
primped up
yesterday
Past participle
primped up
have + pp
-ing form
primping up
continuous
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