send up: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal (for mockery); Formal/Technical (for launch/legal).
Quick answer
What does “send up” mean?
to mock or ridicule someone or something through imitation, often in a humorous or affectionate way.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
to mock or ridicule someone or something through imitation, often in a humorous or affectionate way; to make a parody of.
Can also mean to launch something upward or to cause something to rise. In older UK legal jargon, to send someone to prison or for trial.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The 'mockery' sense is common in both, but more firmly established and frequent in British English. The 'launch' sense is neutral and technical. The older 'send to prison' sense is primarily British legal/historical.
Connotations
In BrE, 'send up' often implies a light-hearted, clever satire, not necessarily malicious. In AmE, it might be perceived as slightly more biting or direct, though still humorous.
Frequency
Far more common in BrE for the mockery sense. AmE speakers might use 'make fun of', 'poke fun at', 'roast', or 'parody' with similar frequency.
Grammar
How to Use “send up” in a Sentence
[Subject] send up [Object][Subject] send [Object] upIt was a send-up of [Object]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “send up” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The comedian brilliantly sends up the Prime Minister's speaking style.
- That show is famous for sending up public school life.
- He was sent up for trial at the Old Bailey.
American English
- The late-night host loves to send up political figures.
- The film sends up 1950s sci-fi movies with great affection.
- They plan to send up a weather balloon.
adverb
British English
- N/A for 'send up' as an adverb.
American English
- N/A for 'send up' as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- It was a send-up version of a Bond film.
- A send-up review of the restaurant went viral.
American English
- The article was a send-up piece, not serious journalism.
- He did a send-up impression of the CEO.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in marketing: 'The ad campaign sends up corporate clichés.'
Academic
Used in media/cultural studies to discuss parody and satire.
Everyday
Common for discussing comedy shows, impressions, or mocking trends: 'Did you see that show send up reality TV?'
Technical
In aerospace/engineering: 'to send up a probe/satellite.'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “send up”
- Using it literally when mockery is meant: 'He sent up the parcel' (ambiguous).
- Using the wrong particle: 'send out' or 'send in' instead of 'up' for parody.
- Using it in a purely negative, non-humorous context: 'They sent him up for his mistakes' (incorrect unless meaning 'to prison' in BrE).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While it involves mockery, it can be affectionate and light-hearted, especially in British usage. It often implies the target is worthy of satire but not necessarily hatred.
'Send up' implies a more crafted, imitative parody, often done publicly (like in a show). 'Make fun of' is broader and can be simple, direct teasing in any context.
Yes. The noun form is 'send-up' (often hyphenated), meaning a parody. Example: 'The film is a hilarious send-up of action movies.'
It is correct but less common in daily conversation. It's more typical in technical, scientific, or journalistic contexts (e.g., 'send up a spacecraft'). In everyday speech, 'launch' is more frequent.
to mock or ridicule someone or something through imitation, often in a humorous or affectionate way.
Send up is usually informal (for mockery); formal/technical (for launch/legal). in register.
Send up: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsend ˈʌp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsɛnd ˈʌp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It was a send-up.”
- “He's sending up the whole system.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a comedian performing an impression so exaggerated it feels like they are 'sending' a caricatured version of the person 'up' onto the stage for everyone to laugh at.
Conceptual Metaphor
CRITICISM IS DISPLACEMENT UPWARDS (mocking someone elevates a distorted version of them for scrutiny).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'send up' LEAST likely to be used?