General
proper
What does proper mean?
Used to mean 'really' or 'thoroughly'. Ubiquitous in Northern and Mancunian speech.
"I'm proper made up for you."
Origin
British colloquial intensifier use of 'proper'.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'proper' mean in British slang?
Used as an adverb, 'proper' means 'really' or 'thoroughly' — an intensifier, as in 'I'm proper made up.'
Where is 'proper' used this way?
It's ubiquitous in Northern English and Mancunian speech, though heard across Britain.
Is 'proper' rude?
No, it's clean, casual speech used as an intensifier before an adjective.
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