dup
RareLiterary, Archaic, Technical (computing)
Definition
Meaning
To open; an onomatopoeic verb based on the sound of a door opening.
A rare, literary/poetic verb for opening a door, gate, or window. It appears in some set phrases or poetic contexts. Can also be used as a noun in some technical contexts (a duplicate).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
In its verb form (to open), it is an aphetic form of "do up" or "undo up" and is heavily archaic/poetic. In modern computing, 'dup' is a common abbreviation for 'duplicate'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The archaic verb 'dup' is equally rare and literary in both. The computing abbreviation 'dup' is used universally.
Connotations
The verb form evokes Shakespearean or archaic speech. The computing term is purely functional.
Frequency
Virtually never used in modern spoken English except as a deliberate archaism. The computing term is frequent in technical writing.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
dup + (direct object: door/gate)'dup' as commandVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “"Dup the door, I say." (archaic)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Only in computing context: 'Make a dup of the file.'
Academic
Virtually never used outside of literary analysis (e.g., analysing Shakespeare).
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Common as a command or abbreviation for 'duplicate' in programming and file systems.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The porter was ordered to dup the castle gate.
- The stage direction read: 'He dups the hatch.'
American English
- In the script, the character dups the saloon doors.
- She dupped the locket to reveal the portrait.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The old manuscript contained the phrase 'dup thy door to the stranger'.
- The programmer typed 'dup' to create a copy of the process.
- Shakespeare's 'Hamlet' has the gravedigger say, "...and with a little act, the basest knave in Christendom may dup the door to a queen's closet."
- In the legacy system, the command `dup` is used to clone file descriptors.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of "dup" as a shortened command: "Do UP" the latch to open it. It sounds like the 'dup' you hear when a door is unlatched.
Conceptual Metaphor
OPENING IS UNCOVERING / ACCESS IS GRANTING
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with Russian "дуб" (oak tree).
- Do not translate the archaic verb literally in modern contexts; use "open".
- In computing, it's an abbreviation, not a word with inherent meaning.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'dup' in modern speech expecting to be understood.
- Mispronouncing it as /du:p/ or /dju:p/.
- Spelling it as 'dupp'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'dup' most likely to be encountered today?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it is either a very rare and archaic verb meaning 'to open' or a common abbreviation in computing for 'duplicate'.
The verb form is a contraction of the Middle English phrase 'do up,' in the sense of 'undo' or 'open up.'
No. It would sound strange and outdated. Use 'open' or 'duplicate' instead, depending on the intended meaning.
It is pronounced /dʌp/, rhyming with 'cup' or 'up'.