glamour puss: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Not typically. It is usually affectionate or humorous. However, context matters; using it to reduce someone's professional achievements to their appearance could be dismissive or sexist.

Historically, it was used almost exclusively for women. In modern, playful usage, it can occasionally be applied to a man known for his meticulous, stylish appearance, though terms like 'dandy' or 'fashionisto' might be more common.

'Glamour' comes from a Scottish variant of 'grammar', originally meaning magic or enchantment. 'Puss' is a colloquial term for a cat or, formerly, a girl. The compound 'glamour puss' emerged in the mid-20th century, likely from Hollywood slang, combining the idea of magical allure with the perceived vanity or elegance of a cat.

While 'glamor' is the standard American spelling for the word alone, the fixed compound 'glamour puss' is almost universally spelled with the 'u' in both British and American English, likely due to its establishment as a set phrase.

A person, typically a woman, who is conspicuously glamorous, stylish, or elegant, often in a way that suggests they cultivate their appearance for admiration.

Glamour puss is usually informal, colloquial, humorous, journalistic in register.

Glamour puss: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡlæmə pʊs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡlæmər pʊs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.