IPA: //ˈprɛpi//
KK: /ˈprɛpi/
A person who is associated with a style of dress and lifestyle that is often preppy, typically characterized by neat, classic clothing and a focus on social status.
He dressed like a preppie, wearing a polo shirt and khakis to the party.
Preppie is derived from the word "prep" (short for preparatory, referring to preparatory schools) and the suffix "-ie" (a diminutive or affectionate suffix). The term "preppie" refers to a person, typically a student, associated with a preparatory school, often characterized by a specific style of dress and lifestyle.
Think of 'prep' as relating to preparatory schools, and the '-ie' makes it sound friendly or familiar. This helps you remember that a 'preppie' is someone connected to that school culture.