Primp
/prɪmp/noun
To spend time carefully grooming, arranging, or decorating oneself.
Did you know?The exact origin of “prim” is uncertain, but “primp” appears to have developed as an expressive extension of it, suggesting that the word’s fussy, repetitive sound may be part of its history.
Etymological Timeline
Possibly Medieval French
Old French
prin
“Fine, excellent, or delicate; a proposed relative of English “prim,” though the connection is uncertain.”
16th Century
English
prim
“Neat, spruce, or carefully formal in appearance.”
17th Century
English
prim
“Precisely neat, proper, or affectedly decorous.”
18th Century
English
primp
“To dress or arrange oneself with elaborate care; likely an expressive extension of “prim.””
Modern English
English
primp
“To groom, adjust, or decorate oneself carefully, often with fussiness.”