gen up: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, British English (originally military slang, now broader informal use)
Quick answer
What does “gen up” mean?
To obtain information about something.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To obtain information about something; to make oneself informed or knowledgeable.
To study or research a topic thoroughly, often quickly, especially for an impending task, test, or briefing.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
This phrase is almost exclusively British. The equivalent American concept would be 'to brush up on', 'to get up to speed on', or 'to bone up on' (informal).
Connotations
In British English, it can sound slightly dated or specifically colloquial. Its origins in military/RAF slang give it a pragmatic, no-nonsense feel.
Frequency
Low frequency overall. Very rare in American English; low to medium in British informal contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “gen up” in a Sentence
Subject + gen up + on + Object (e.g., I need to gen up on tax laws)Subject + gen + Object (person) + up (e.g., Can you gen me up on the new software?)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gen up” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- You'd better gen up on the safety procedures before the inspection.
- Can someone gen me up on the agenda for tomorrow's meeting?
- She spent the evening genning up on Italian grammar.
American English
- He had to bone up on the regulations before the audit. (Note: 'gen up' would be unusual here.)
adjective
British English
- He was fully genned up before the interview.
- Are you genned up on the latest changes to the policy?
American English
- He was fully briefed before the interview. (Note: 'genned up' would be unusual.)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"The new manager spent her first week genning up on the company's major accounts."
Academic
Rare in formal academic writing, but possible in speech: "I need to gen up on quantum theory before the tutorial."
Everyday
"I'm not sure about the local history, but I'll gen up on it before the tour."
Technical
Uncommon; more likely in preparation contexts, e.g., "The pilot genned up on the new navigation software."
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gen up”
- Using it intransitively without 'on': ❌ 'I need to gen up.' ✅ 'I need to gen up *on* the regulations.'
- Using it in formal American contexts where it would be misunderstood.
- Spelling: 'jen up' or 'gin up' are incorrect.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It originates from British military slang, likely from the first syllable of 'general information' in the early 20th century.
It is strongly discouraged as it is not part of American idiomatic vocabulary. Americans would use phrases like 'brush up on', 'get up to speed on', or 'bone up on'.
It is firmly informal. It is suitable for casual conversation and informal writing but should be avoided in formal reports, academic papers, or official documents.
It is a regular verb: 'genned up'. For example, "He genned up on the topic yesterday."
To obtain information about something.
Gen up: in British English it is pronounced /ˌdʒen ˈʌp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌdʒen ˈʌp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(all) genned up (adj.): fully informed and prepared.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'General' knowledge. To GEN UP is to make your general knowledge go UP on a topic.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWLEDGE IS A RESOURCE / TOOL (You gather/acquire it to be equipped).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'gen up' be LEAST appropriate?