Dice
 
 
 
 
 
Next post.
Previous post.

Gussied Up

In Southern and Appalachian speech, "gussied up" means dressed up fancy, often more than the occasion calls for. It can be playful praise or gentle teasing about someone trying to look extra fine.

#SouthernSayings   #Appalachia   #PeopleandRelationships   #DialectandGrammar   #Southern   #BodyandHealth

Hillbilly Dude Says...
I've never used 'gussied up' myself, but I've heard it all my life. 
Hillbilly Dude Says...
I've never used 'gussied up' myself, but I've heard it all my life. 

Pronunciation

[GUH-see’d up]

Meaning & Usage

- Dressed up in fancy clothes (verb phrase)

Mae:
Look at you, all gussied up!
Earl:
Well, figured I’d shine my boots at least.

- Overly dressed for the occasion (verb phrase)

Mae:
Why’s she wearin’ pearls out here?
Earl:
Just likes to get gussied up.
variations: gussy up
★ "Gussied up" is often said with a smile - it can be a compliment, but also carries a hint of "you didn’t have to go that far." ★

Origin and Etymology

First recorded in the mid-1800s, from "Gussy" - a slang name for someone who dressed flashy. The phrase spread widely but took deepest root in Southern and Appalachian speech.

Usage Notes

Still heard across the U.S., but especially common in the South and Appalachia. Most often paired with "all" - as in "all gussied up." Used for people more than places or things.

Say It Like a Southerner

Said plain: "guss-ee’d up." Often stretched a little for emphasis: "all gussied up."

Kin Topics

Related Pages

Common Questions

Is "gussied up" the same as "dressed up"?
Yes, but with extra flair - it often means fancier than usual.
Is it always teasing?
Not always - it can be admiring, but often has a playful tone.
Do people still say it today?
Yes, though more common in the South and Appalachia than elsewhere.

How to Cite This Page

  • APA (7th edition)
    The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 4). Gussied Up. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/gussied-up
  • MLA (9th edition)
    "The Hillbilly Dude." "Gussied Up." HillbillySlang.com, 4 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/gussied-up.
  • Chicago (17th edition)
    The Hillbilly Dude. "Gussied Up." HillbillySlang.com. September 4, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/gussied-up.
advertisement...
Most Popular
Latest Accents
Latest Sayings
Latest Words
About
Created by The Hillbilly Dude, this site is a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia but reaching across the world. Every slang word, saying, accent and story is gathered from first-hand experience and trusted sources. The goal: preserve authentic voices and share them with writers, learners, and culture lovers everywhere - with a little humor thrown in here and there. Read more...
Slang, folklore, culture, and accent vary from place to place, even ridge to ridge - this is how I know it. Read the full disclaimer and terms of use • Privacy Policy
© Hillbilly Slang | Original audio and content not for reproduction or AI training without permission. Keeping the Mountains Talking 'Til The Cows Come Home