pick-me-up
|pick-me-up|
/ˈpɪk.miˌʌp/
small boost of energy or mood
Etymology
'pick-me-up' originates from English, specifically the imperative phrase 'pick me up', where 'pick' meant 'to lift' or 'raise' and 'up' indicated upward motion or improvement.
'pick me up' was used in phrases like 'to pick someone up' (meaning to lift or cheer someone) and by the late 19th to early 20th century the expression became nominalized as the hyphenated noun 'pick-me-up' referring to something that lifts one's spirits or energy.
Initially it described the action of lifting or helping someone; over time it evolved into a noun meaning 'something (often a small drink or tonic) that restores energy or mood.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
an item (such as a drink, snack, or small tonic) that restores energy or improves someone's mood.
I grabbed a cup of coffee as a pick-me-up before the meeting.
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Noun 2
something that cheers someone up or gives them a short-lived morale boost (not necessarily food or drink).
Getting a compliment was a real pick-me-up after a long day.
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Last updated: 2025/10/29 07:16