cutup
LowInformal, dated
Definition
Meaning
A person who behaves in a clownish or mischievous way; a joker or prankster.
In a historical or literary context, it can refer to a technique or figure involving cutting things apart, such as a style of collage or a participant in a duel.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term is a noun formed from the phrasal verb 'cut up'. It is primarily used to describe a person's character or behavior, not a physical action. Its usage has declined since the mid-20th century and can sound old-fashioned.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is recognized in both dialects but is somewhat archaic in both. No significant difference in meaning.
Connotations
Often carries a fond, slightly nostalgic connotation of a class clown or harmless trickster, not a malicious person.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both dialects. More likely found in older literature, films, or in the speech of older generations.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
be a cutupplay the cutupact like a cutupVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “play the cutup”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rarely used. Might be used humorously to describe a colleague who lightens the mood.
Academic
Rare. Might appear in historical or literary analysis (e.g., 'cut-up technique' in Burroughs).
Everyday
Informal, slightly dated. Used to describe a person who jokes a lot.
Technical
Not applicable in most technical fields. 'Cut-up' can be a noun modifier in publishing (cut-up text) or fashion (cut-up technique).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- -
American English
- -
adverb
British English
- -
American English
- -
adjective
British English
- -
American English
- -
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My brother is a cutup. He makes us laugh.
- Tom was the class cutup and was always getting into trouble with the teacher.
- Despite his serious job as a lawyer, he was known among friends as a real cutup at parties.
- The film portrayed the legendary comedian not just as a cutup, but as a deeply tormented genius behind the laughter.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a person who CUTs UP pieces of paper to make funny faces and makes everyone laugh – that's a CUTUP.
Conceptual Metaphor
A PERSON IS A PERFORMER (of jokes). MISCHIEF IS A DISRUPTIVE ACTION (cutting up normal routine).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with the verb 'to cut up' (разрезать).
- Do not translate literally as 'нарезанный'. It's a person, not an object.
- The closest conceptual equivalents are 'шутник', 'балагур', 'клоун'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'He cutup the paper' – incorrect; use 'cut up').
- Confusing it with the adjective 'cut-up' meaning emotionally upset (e.g., 'She was cut up about the news').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes a 'cutup'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
As a noun meaning 'a joker', it is typically written as one word: 'cutup'. The phrasal verb is two words: 'cut up'.
No. The verb form is the phrasal verb 'to cut up' (e.g., cut up vegetables, cut up a credit card). 'Cutup' is only a noun.
It is less common in modern speech and can sound somewhat old-fashioned. Words like 'joker', 'prankster', or 'clown' are more frequently used.
They are very similar. 'Class clown' is more specific to a school setting, while 'cutup' can describe a person in any social or professional context who acts in that way.