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sexy up

B2 informal separable transitive

An informal variant of 'sex up' — to make something more exciting, attractive, or glamorous.

In plain English

To make something look cooler, more exciting, or more attractive.

What does "sexy up" mean?

One main meaning — here's how to use it.

1 B2 idiomatic informal

To make something more visually attractive, exciting, or glamorous.

"She decided to sexy up her wardrobe before the job interviews started."

separable
Usage tip

Less common and less established than 'sex up'. Mainly heard in informal spoken English and social media. Some speakers view it as non-standard. Often used about branding, design, clothing, or presentations.

Words that pair with "sexy up"

Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.

outfit presentation brand image look design

How to conjugate "sexy up"

The five tense forms you'll use most often.

Base
sexy up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
sexies up
he/she/it
Past simple
sexied up
yesterday
Past participle
sexied up
have + pp
-ing form
sexying up
continuous

Hear "sexy up" in the wild

Listen to native speakers using "sexy up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.

Keep exploring

Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.