tart up: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low-medium (common in informal UK speech, rare in US speech).Informal, often slightly derogatory or humorous.
Quick answer
What does “tart up” mean?
To make something or someone look more attractive or appealing in a showy, cheap, or excessive way.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To make something or someone look more attractive or appealing in a showy, cheap, or excessive way.
Can also refer to superficially improving or renovating something, often to hide its true nature or quality.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Predominantly British/Commonwealth. In American English, 'glam up', 'doll up', or 'spruce up' are more common, with 'tart up' being understood but rarely used.
Connotations
In British English, carries a stronger connotation of vulgarity or trying too hard. In American English, if used, it may sound like a direct British borrowing.
Frequency
Frequent in UK tabloids and casual speech. Very low frequency in US media or conversation.
Grammar
How to Use “tart up” in a Sentence
[Noun Phrase] tarted up [Noun Phrase][Subject] tarts up [Object][Object] be/get tarted upVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “tart up” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The council just tarted up the town centre with some new flower beds for the royal visit.
- He's tarted up his CV with a few dubious qualifications.
American English
- She tarted up the backyard with some string lights for the party. (Rare, understood as British)
- The company tarted up its annual report with glossy photos.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in informal criticism: 'They just tarted up the old product with new packaging.'
Academic
Virtually never used.
Everyday
Common for discussing renovations, appearances, or outfits: 'She tarted up the flat before the viewers came.'
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “tart up”
- Using it in formal contexts. Confusing it with 'touch up' (which implies minor repairs). Using it without the particle 'up'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be, as it originates from a derogatory term for a woman. It is informal and often carries a judgemental tone, so use with caution.
Yes, commonly: 'She tarted herself up for the party.' It often implies using excessive makeup or flashy clothes.
'Renovate' implies genuine restoration or improvement. 'Tart up' implies a superficial, cosmetic change, often to deceive or impress cheaply.
It is very rarely used in the US. Americans are more likely to say 'glam up', 'doll up', or 'spruce up'.
To make something or someone look more attractive or appealing in a showy, cheap, or excessive way.
Tart up is usually informal, often slightly derogatory or humorous. in register.
Tart up: in British English it is pronounced /ˌtɑːt ˈʌp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌtɑːrt ˈʌp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “All tarted up with nowhere to go.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'tart' (a dated, derogatory term for a showy woman) putting on excessive makeup. To 'tart up' is to apply that same over-the-top, artificial improvement to something.
Conceptual Metaphor
IMPROVEMENT IS DECORATION (often FALSE ADVERTISING IS A FAÇADE).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'tart up' MOST appropriately used?