Word
preppy
Phoneticsprep·py, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈpɹɛpi/
UK/pɹˈɛpi/
Definition
adj. looking neat and tidy in the classic style of expensive private schools in the US. You use it for clean clothes like polo shirts, blazers, and loafers.
adj. relating to the neat, conservative style of dress and behaviour associated with expensive preparatory schools, especially in the US.
Examples
“She wears a preppy blazer and white sneakers.”
“He looks preppy in his button-down shirt, khaki pants, and clean loafers for the interview.”
“The boutique's autumn collection leans preppy, pairing crisp oxford shirts with pleated skirts and polished leather accessories.”
Examples
simple
“She wears a preppy blazer and white sneakers.”
contextual
“He looks preppy in his button-down shirt, khaki pants, and clean loafers for the interview.”
complex
“The boutique's autumn collection leans preppy, pairing crisp oxford shirts with pleated skirts and polished leather accessories.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “preppy” in context.
Verb
01. dress preppy
“She likes to dress preppy for school events.”
verb + adj
02. look preppy
“In a blue blazer and khakis, he looks preppy.”
verb + adj
Noun
03. preppy kid
“The movie is about a preppy kid at boarding school.”
adj + noun
04. preppy look
“She completed her preppy look with pearl earrings.”
adj + noun
05. preppy outfit
“He wore a preppy outfit with a navy blazer.”
adj + noun
06. preppy school
“He attends a preppy school in New England.”
adj + noun
07. preppy style
“Polo shirts and loafers are typical of preppy style.”
adj + noun
08. classic preppy outfit
“A white shirt and khakis make a classic preppy outfit.”
09. dress in a preppy style
“Many students dress in a preppy style with chinos and sweaters.”
10. go for a preppy look
“For the interview, she went for a preppy look with a blazer.”
11. have a preppy vibe
“The new store has a preppy vibe with polo shirts everywhere.”
12. look a bit preppy
“With his collar up, he looks a bit preppy today.”
Usage
Typically placed before the noun it modifies; also used predicatively after linking verbs like 'look' or 'seem'.
Real-World Examples
“Guests were asked to dress in preppy attire to pay tribute to all things preppy — not the flagrantly misappropriated version on TikTok, but the collegiate look and old-moneyed demeanor of New England prep schools and Ivy League colleges.” “The "preppy" attire for the event was a nod to the country-club style that has long defined the group.” Etymology
From prep + -y.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/preppy