Gussied

To dress oneself or another person up in an elaborate or showy way; to adorn or decorate, especially with excessive or unnecessary ornamentation. This often implies an attempt to appear more attractive or sophisticated than is natural or appropriate. The term carries a slight connotation of being overly concerned with appearances and can sometimes suggest a lack of genuine substance behind the elaborate presentation. It's often used in a disapproving or humorous context.

Gussied meaning with examples

• Before the prom, Sarah spent hours gussying herself up, choosing the perfect dress, shoes, and accessories. Her friends teased her, saying she looked like she was preparing for a royal ball. They were joking, though they were also concerned about her spending too much time on how she looked instead of having fun. They were all looking forward to the party.
• The old Victorian house, though charming in its bones, had been gussied up with garish paint and plastic flowers. Its new owner apparently prioritized superficial improvements. The neighbors expressed a preference for the original aesthetic. It now seemed to try too hard and had lost its character.
• The restaurant, eager to attract tourists, had gussied up the menu with expensive ingredients and pretentious names. The local foodies, however, preferred the authentic, simpler dishes from the less extravagant cafe next door. They found the new food too showy.
• Despite the criticism from their peers, the teenagers gussied up their motorcycles with chrome accessories and loud exhaust pipes. They enjoyed the attention and felt proud of their efforts, completely disregarding the fact their peers didn't share their enjoyment and saw right through their actions.