fixer-upper
nounEtymology From a reduplicating suffixation of fix up, equivalent to fix + -er + up + -er.
1
US, Informal A house, property, car, or other object that needs to be fixed up or repaired, often purchased as an investment.
- 2003, Jay P. DeCima, Investing in Fixer-Uppers: A Complete Guide to Buying Low, Fixing Smart, Adding Value, and Selling (or Renting) High, McGraw-Hill Professional, →ISBN.
2
Broadly, Informal A potential romantic partner who may need some motivation to improve their personality or habits.
- Don't be seduced into a relationship with someone who seems to be a "fixer-upper." Attempts at renovating people usually fail.2000, Susan Curtin Kelley, Dale Burg, The Second Time Around:
3
Informal A person who tinkers or fixes things up; in particular, someone who fixes up houses, properties, etc. as an investment.
- Synonyms
- doer-upperer, fix-it-upper
- Related terms
- handyman's special