pick-me-up: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal
Quick answer
What does “pick-me-up” mean?
Something, typically food or drink, that makes one feel more energetic or cheerful when tired or sad.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Something, typically food or drink, that makes one feel more energetic or cheerful when tired or sad.
Any small pleasure or activity that provides a temporary boost to one's mood or energy levels.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Concept and usage are identical. The specific item referenced (e.g., type of drink) may vary culturally.
Connotations
Equally positive and informal in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more common in UK English, but well-established in both.
Grammar
How to Use “pick-me-up” in a Sentence
have/get a pick-me-upneed a pick-me-upuse X as a pick-me-upbe a (real/great) pick-me-up (for somebody)Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used informally in office culture ('Let's get a coffee pick-me-up before the meeting').
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
The primary register. Used in casual conversation about food, drink, mood, and energy.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “pick-me-up”
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'I need to pick-me-up' is incorrect). Treating it as an uncountable noun (e.g., 'I need some pick-me-up').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is always hyphenated when used as a noun referring to a mood/energy booster.
No, it refers to a thing or activity, not a person. Calling a person a 'pick-me-up' would be unconventional and potentially objectifying.
It's grammatically understandable but redundant and not idiomatic. Simply say 'I need a pick-me-up' or 'I need a drink as a pick-me-up'.
They are close synonyms, but 'pick-me-up' is more informal and often implies a specific, concrete item (like coffee). 'Boost' is more general and can be used in more formal contexts.
Something, typically food or drink, that makes one feel more energetic or cheerful when tired or sad.
Pick-me-up is usually informal in register.
Pick-me-up: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpɪk miː ʌp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpɪk mi ʌp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A cup of tea is my favourite pick-me-up.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine someone feeling down, and you literally 'pick me up' off the ground. A 'pick-me-up' lifts your spirits.
Conceptual Metaphor
EMOTIONAL STATE IS VERTICAL ORIENTATION (feeling down vs. being picked up).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'pick-me-up' LEAST likely to be used?