Pronunciation: [pˈʌkəd ˈʌp] (IPA) 
The phrase "puckered up," meaning to purse one's lips in preparation for a kiss, is spelled with a long-U sound followed by a K sound. In the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), it is transcribed as /pʌkərd ʌp/. The first syllable contains a short-U sound and a K sound, followed by a schwa sound in the second syllable. The word "puckered" derives from the verb "pucker," which means to draw or gather into wrinkles or folds.
Puckered up refers to the act or state of forming small wrinkles, folds, or creases on a surface, typically in reference to the lips, mouth, or other parts of the body. It is often used to describe the facial expression or physical action of tightly contracting or compressing the lips together, creating a puckered appearance. This action is commonly associated with expressions of kissing or preparing to kiss someone or something.
When a person puckers up, their lips generally become drawn in, and the surrounding skin may form small folds or wrinkles. This action is usually accompanied by a tightening or pursing of the mouth muscles. Puckered up lips often take on a rounded or protruding shape, resembling a small pouch.
The term "puckered up" can also be used metaphorically to describe an individual's emotional state. It can imply a feeling of tension, seriousness, or anticipation, similar to what is often experienced before a kiss, where the lips are tightly drawn together. In this context, puckered up may describe someone who is emotionally guarded, ready to face a difficult situation, or preparing for an important event.
Overall, "puckered up" is a descriptive phrase that captures the physical or metaphorical act of tightly contracting or compressing the lips and its associated expressions or emotions.
The phrase "puckered up" dates back to the 16th century and is formed by combining the verb "pucker" with the adverbial particle "up". To understand the etymology of "pucker", we need to go further back to the Middle English period.
The word "pucker" stems from the Old English verb "pūcian", which meant "to pluck" or "to pinch". It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic root "*peukōną". Over time, "pucker" evolved to refer specifically to the action of drawing cloth or skin tightly together, thus creating wrinkles or folds.
The addition of the adverbial particle "up" intensifies the action, suggesting the tight gathering or wrinkling of a particular part, especially the lips or mouth.
