Definition

1. Verb:
   • To dress in a prim, precise, or excessively neat manner: The verb "prim out" describes the act of dressing oneself with particular attention to neatness, formality, or prudish propriety, often resulting in a stiff or overly proper appearance.

Usage

• The verb "prim out" is used to describe a specific way of dressing. It implies a conscious effort to appear very neat, formal, or even fussy. It often carries a slightly negative connotation, suggesting the attire is too proper, stiff, or lacking in natural style.
• It is typically used in informal contexts.
• Common sentence patterns: ; ; .

Examples

• Verb:
  • She always prims out for church, wearing her most conservative dresses and hats.
  • You don't need to prim out for the backyard barbecue; jeans and a t-shirt are fine.
  • He primmed himself out in a three-piece suit for the casual interview, which seemed a bit much.

Advanced Usage

• The phrase can be used reflexively as "to prim oneself out."
• It can describe dressing for a specific, often formal, event where one feels the need to appear exceptionally proper.

Variants and Related Words

• Prim (adj): Neat, formal, or prudish in appearance or manner.
  • She has a very prim way of speaking.
• Primp (verb): To dress or groom oneself with elaborate care.
  • She spent an hour primping in front of the mirror.
  • Note: "Primp" is more general and focuses on grooming, while "prim out" specifically refers to the style of dressing (neat and proper).

Synonyms

• Dress up (though this is more general and can imply fancy attire, not necessarily prim).
• Spruce up (implies making neat and tidy, but not necessarily with a prudish connotation).
• Preen (often implies vanity while grooming).

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Doll up: To dress stylishly or glamorously.
  • She dolled herself up for the party. (This implies a fashionable or attractive look, unlike the stiff propriety of "prim out.")

Related Idioms

• Dressed to the nines: Dressed very elegantly or flamboyantly.
  • They were dressed to the nines for the gala. (This idiom suggests fashionable elegance, not the fussy neatness of "prim out.")

Verb

1. dress primly