big up: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumInformal, Slang, Colloquial
Quick answer
What does “big up” mean?
To praise, give recognition to, or show respect for someone.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To praise, give recognition to, or show respect for someone; to acknowledge positively.
To increase the volume or intensity of something (as in music); to make something larger or more prominent; to boost someone's confidence or reputation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More established and widely recognized in British English, particularly due to influence from Caribbean communities and popular music. In American English, it is less common and may be heard primarily in hip-hop or among those familiar with Caribbean culture.
Connotations
UK: Strong positive connotation of solidarity, community support, and cultural pride. US: Often seen as a niche or trendy import from Caribbean/UK slang, can sound affected if not used within specific cultural contexts.
Frequency
High frequency in UK youth culture and music media; low-to-medium frequency in specific American urban or music scenes.
Grammar
How to Use “big up” in a Sentence
Verb + Object (Person/Group)Noun Phrase (a big up)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “big up” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We need to big up the volunteers who cleaned the park.
- He bigged up his teammate's performance in the interview.
American English
- The rapper bigged up his hometown during the concert.
- I gotta big up my mom for all her support.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Highly unusual; would be seen as inappropriately informal.
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Common in informal conversation among friends, on social media, or in celebratory contexts.
Technical
In audio engineering, 'big up' can be literal instruction to increase volume or bass.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “big up”
- Using it in formal writing.
- Saying 'big up to John' (more common: 'big up John' or 'a big up to John').
- Confusing it with 'big it up', which is essentially the same.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is strictly informal slang, originating from Jamaican Patois. It is unsuitable for formal, academic, or business writing.
Yes. As a noun, it means 'an instance of praise or recognition'. Example: 'Give a big up to the organizers.'
They are very similar. 'Big up' has stronger roots in Caribbean/UK culture and can imply boosting someone's status. 'Shout out' (more common in US English) is a public acknowledgment, often just a mention.
Yes, in informal use. The standard past tense and past participle is 'bigged up'. Example: 'She bigged up her friend's new business.'
To praise, give recognition to, or show respect for someone.
Big up: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbɪɡ ˈʌp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbɪɡ ˈʌp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Big up yourself! (encouragement to be proud)”
- “Give a big up to...”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of making someone's reputation BIGGER and lifting them UP with praise.
Conceptual Metaphor
RECOGNITION IS SIZE INCREASE (to make someone bigger in stature through praise).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'big up' LEAST appropriate?