preppy

English

Alternative forms

• preppie

Etymology

From prep +‎ -y.

Pronunciation

• (US) IPA^(key): /ˈpɹɛ.pi/
• Rhymes: -ɛpi

Adjective

preppy (comparative preppier or more preppy, superlative preppiest or most preppy)

1. (US, often derogatory) Being or relating to something (such as clothing) that is typical of students at prep schools.

   Synonym: (UK) posh

   • 1983, Alan Eisenstock, Larry Mintz, High School U.S.A. (motion picture), spoken by Jay-Jay Manners (Michael J. Fox):

     I'll pick you up after the party. Let's see, there'll be all that deep preppy conversation, preppy dancing, piles of preppy fun. Party starts at nine, I'll pick you up at nine fifteen.

   • 1999, Carl V. Dupré, Detroit Rock City (motion picture), spoken by Trip (James DeBello):

     So, Jam, who did your wardrobe, Tad the preppie sailboat captain?

Usage notes

Often implying undeserved wealth.

Noun

preppy (plural preppies)

1. (US) A student of a prep school. [from mid 20th c.]

   Coordinate term: (UK) prepper

Translations

student of a prep school

• Esperanto: privatlernejano, riĉulido (derogatory)
• Finnish: lukiolainen (fi) (high school level); yksityiskoulun oppilas (in private prep school)
• Portuguese: mauricinho m (Brazilian slang)
• Spanish: cheto m (Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay), cuico m (Chile), fresa m (El Salvador, Mexico), gomelo m (Colombia), jailón m (Bolivia), jevito m (Dominican Republic), pijo m (Spain), pipi m (Costa Rica), pituco m (Peru), sifrino m (Venezuela), yeyé m (Panama)