stick-up: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2-C1informal, slang (predominantly used in crime/journalistic contexts)
Quick answer
What does “stick-up” mean?
An act of robbery, especially one in which the perpetrator points a gun or other weapon at the victim to demand money or valuables.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An act of robbery, especially one in which the perpetrator points a gun or other weapon at the victim to demand money or valuables; a holdup.
Can also refer to the perpetrator of such a robbery (a 'stick-up man') or figuratively to any aggressive, coercive act where something is taken by force or threat.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common in American English, particularly in urban and crime-related discourse. In British English, 'armed robbery' or 'hold-up' are more standard, though 'stick-up' is understood.
Connotations
Strongly associated with American gangster/crime films and journalism. In the UK, it may sound like an Americanism.
Frequency
Low frequency in formal contexts in both varieties; higher in American crime reporting and fiction.
Grammar
How to Use “stick-up” in a Sentence
The gang staged a STICK-UP at the corner shop.He was arrested for the STICK-UP.It was a classic STICK-UP: gun, mask, and a demand for the cash.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “stick-up” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The police are investigating a brutal stick-up at a betting shop in Leeds.
- He served time for his part in a supermarket stick-up.
American English
- The old diner was the scene of a famous stick-up in the 1950s.
- He was known on the streets as a fearless stick-up artist.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used. Replaced by 'fraud', 'embezzlement', or 'theft'.
Academic
Rare; used only in criminology or sociology papers discussing street crime terminology.
Everyday
Used informally to describe a news story about a robbery: "Did you hear about the stick-up at the newsagent's?"
Technical
Not used in technical legal language; 'armed robbery' or 'aggravated burglary' are the correct terms.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “stick-up”
- Using it as a verb synonym for 'rob' (He stick-upped the bank – incorrect). The verb form is 'to stick up' (usually as a phrasal verb: They stuck up the post office).
- Using it in formal writing.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is informal slang, primarily used in journalism, fiction, and everyday speech about crime.
Yes, but as the phrasal verb 'to stick up' (e.g., 'They stuck up a bank'). The noun 'stick-up' is derived from this verb.
A 'stick-up' often implies robbing a establishment (shop, bank) with a weapon. A 'mugging' is typically an attack and robbery of an individual in a public place.
It is understood but is perceived as an Americanism. Terms like 'armed robbery' or 'hold-up' are more common in UK media.
An act of robbery, especially one in which the perpetrator points a gun or other weapon at the victim to demand money or valuables.
Stick-up: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstɪk ʌp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstɪk ˌʌp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “'This is a stick-up!' (the stereotypical line used by a robber)”
- “stick-up artist (a skilled robber)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a robber telling everyone to 'stick 'em up!' (put their hands up). The crime itself becomes known by the command.
Conceptual Metaphor
CRIME IS A PERFORMANCE/EVENT (stage a stick-up, pull off a stick-up).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'stick-up' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?