getup
Intermediate (B2)Informal, colloquial. Used more in spoken than formal written English.
Definition
Meaning
The particular style or arrangement of clothing and accessories a person is wearing, especially one that is unusual, noticeable, or striking.
An outfit or costume; the overall appearance created by one's clothes, hair, makeup, and accessories. Can also refer to the style of design, presentation, or layout of a publication or display.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies an outfit that is distinctive, elaborate, or purposefully put together to create a specific impression. Can have a neutral, admiring, or slightly mocking tone depending on context.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use the term. UK English may be slightly more likely to use the hyphenated form 'get-up'. US English strongly prefers the single-word form 'getup'.
Connotations
Similar connotations in both. In both varieties, it can suggest a costume or a particularly eye-catching or odd ensemble.
Frequency
Moderately common in both, though slightly more frequent in US English. In UK English, alternatives like 'outfit' or 'get-up' (hyphenated) might be marginally more common.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
wear a + ADJ + getupbe dressed in a + ADJ + getupWhat's with the + getup?have a + getup + onput on a + getupVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “all the getup (and trappings)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might be used humorously in an office to comment on formal dress or a costume day (e.g., 'What's with the business getup?').
Academic
Very rare. Not used in formal academic writing.
Everyday
Common. Used to comment on someone's noticeable clothing (e.g., 'I love your Halloween getup!').
Technical
Not used.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- (Does not function as a verb in this form.)
American English
- (Does not function as a verb in this form.)
adverb
British English
- (Does not function as an adverb in this form.)
American English
- (Does not function as an adverb in this form.)
adjective
British English
- (Does not function as a standard adjective in this form.)
American English
- (Does not function as a standard adjective in this form.)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He wore a funny getup for the party.
- What is that getup?
- She arrived in an elaborate cowboy getup with boots and a hat.
- You don't need a special getup for the gym, just comfortable clothes.
- His bizarre getup attracted a lot of stares on the high street.
- The magazine's new getup is much more modern and colourful than the old design.
- Despite his absurd theatrical getup, his performance was profoundly moving.
- The entire getup—the wig, the makeup, the period costume—was meticulously researched.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: You 'get up' in the morning and choose a 'getup' to put on. It's the outfit you 'got up' and put together.
Conceptual Metaphor
CLOTHING AS A CONSTRUCTED ENTITY / ASSEMBLY. A getup is something you 'put together' or 'assemble' from pieces.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with the phrasal verb 'get up' (вставать). 'Getup' is a completely separate noun.
- Not directly equivalent to 'костюм' (which is closer to 'suit' or 'costume'). 'Getup' is more specific to a striking or themed outfit.
- Avoid translating as 'наряд', which is more neutral. 'Getup' often carries a judgment (amusing, odd, elaborate).
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'get up' (two words) when used as a noun. The noun is usually one word or hyphenated.
- Using it in overly formal contexts where 'attire' or 'outfit' would be more appropriate.
- Pronouncing it as the verb phrase 'get up' (/ɡɛt ˈʌp/) instead of the noun /ˈɡɛtʌp/.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'getup' MOST appropriately used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is informal and colloquial. Use 'outfit', 'attire', or 'ensemble' in more formal writing.
A 'costume' is specifically for performance, disguise, or events like Halloween. A 'getup' can be any noticeable outfit, even if not intended as a costume, but it often implies a costume-like quality.
As a noun, 'getup' (one word) is standard in American English. 'Get-up' (hyphenated) is a common variant, especially in British English. 'Get up' (two words) is the phrasal verb meaning to rise.
Yes, though less commonly. It can metaphorically refer to the style or format of something like a magazine's layout (e.g., 'the magazine's new getup').