fig out
Definition
Verb (transitive or intransitive, often used with an object or reflexively): To dress in a showy, elaborate, or fancy manner; to adorn oneself or someone else with special, often ornate, clothing and accessories for a particular occasion. It implies an effort to look one's best, often to the point of being decorated or embellished.
Usage
The verb "fig out" is used to describe the act of putting on special attire, typically for a social event. It often carries a connotation of dressing more formally or flamboyantly than usual. It can be used with an object (to fig someone/something out) or reflexively (to fig oneself out).
Examples
- She decided to fig out for her high school reunion.
- They figged out their children in matching outfits for the family portrait.
- He spent an hour figging himself out for the gala dinner.
- The models were figged out in the designer's latest collection.
Advanced Usage
- "To be figged out": This passive construction describes the state of being dressed elaborately.
- The guests were all figged out in their finest evening wear.
- The phrase can sometimes imply a slightly excessive or over-the-top effort in dressing, though not necessarily in a negative way.
Variants and Related Words
- Fig up: A less common variant with identical meaning.
- She figged up for the party.
- Dress up: A more common and neutral synonym.
- Deck out: Similar meaning, often emphasizing adornment with decorations.
- Prink: To dress or adorn oneself carefully or fussily.
- Preen: To make oneself tidy and attractive; often involves grooming.
Synonyms
- Adorn
- Array
- Attire
- Deck out
- Dress up
- Prink
- Preen
- Trick out
Antonyms
- Dress down
- Dishevel
- Simplify
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Fig up: See "Variants and Related Words" above.
Related Idioms
- "Dressed to the nines": An idiom meaning dressed very elaborately or fashionably, which captures the essence of being "figged out."
- She arrived at the premiere dressed to the nines.
Verb
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put on special clothes to appear particularly appealing and attractive
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She never dresses up, even when she goes to the opera
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The young girls were all fancied up for the party
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