preppy

1 of 2

noun

prep·​py ˈpre-pē 

variants or preppie

plural preppies

1

: a student at or a graduate of a preparatory school

2

: a person deemed to dress or behave like a preppy

preppy

2 of 2

adjective

variants or preppie

1

: relating to, characteristic of, or being a preppy

2

: relating to or being a style of dress characterized especially by classic clothing and neat appearance

preppily

ˈpre-pə-lē 

adverb

preppiness

ˈpre-pē-nəs 

noun

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Slang Meaning of Preppy

A new use of preppy refers to a casual but upscale fashion trend, especially popular among preteen girls in the early 2020s, marked by bright colors and playful patterns. Some hallmarks include pastel pinks and blues, designs involving smiley faces and lightning bolts, athleisure, pleated miniskirts, baggy or cropped tops, hair bows, skincare products, and trendy accessories, with a premium placed on name brands. Learn more >

Examples of preppy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Depending on the occasion, Gomez will opt for something a little traditional and super polished, while Swift tends to keep it more playful preppy. —Sam Reed, Glamour, 21 July 2025

Dior’s take skews preppy, with items such as polo shirts and V-neck sweaters worn with Bermuda shorts or pleated pants, and jackets and blazers in muted checks. —Joelle Diderich, WWD, 21 Jan. 2025

Adjective

The Boyfriend Jersey, Derby Shorts and Porter LS Top are nods to ’90s lad style, while the Dean Cardigan and Trinity Kilt lend a preppy contrast. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 11 Aug. 2025

During the preppy era, everyone loved punchy pink iconically paired with kelly green. —Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 10 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

prep entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

1880, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1900, in the meaning defined at sense 1