  Fancy UpIn Southern and Appalachian speech, "fancy up" means to dress up or make something look nicer. It can describe people putting on their best clothes or fixing up a place with extra touches. Hillbilly Dude Says...  I'd say 'fancy up' is definitely common talk that you'd hear most anywhere. Pronunciation[FAN-see up] Meaning & Usage- To dress up (verb phrase)
Mae:
You ain’t wearin’ overalls, are you?
Earl:
Naw - I’m gonna fancy up a little.- To decorate or improve something (verb phrase)
Mae:
Looks nice out here.
Earl:
We just fancied up the porch with new paint.other spellings: fancyin' up ★ "Fancy up" is often used playfully. It doesn’t mean high fashion - just a step nicer than everyday. ★ OriginFrom "fancy," meaning stylish or ornamental. In Southern and Appalachian speech, pairing it with "up" made it more vivid and colloquial, fitting the pattern of sayings like "fix up" or "dress up." NotesCommon in Appalachian and Southern regions, especially in rural talk. Outside the area, people may understand it, but it’s less commonly said. Often carries a teasing or lighthearted tone. Say It Like a SouthernerSaid plain: "fan-see up." Quick and informal, often with a teasing tone. | About We are a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia, but wide as the world. Read more... |
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