big-up
1 of 2transitive verb
ˈbig-ˌəp
big-upped; big-upping; big-ups
US slang
: to praise (someone or something)
But "Thank You," which big-ups the Lord, and "Greetings From NY," which features his 12-year-old son, show Badlands focused on religion and home rather than thug life.
Justin Hampton, Spin, March 2006
Justin Hampton, Spin, March 2006Then he gets around to big-upping the city's (and, as of two days prior, America's) favorite Democratic son. Josh Modell, Spin, August 2008
Josh Modell, Spin, August 2008Celebs … big-up her clothes. Alexandra Phanor, Vibe, June 2002
Alexandra Phanor, Vibe, June 2002A natural charmer, Drake … big-ups the kinds of details most men miss: perfectly done hair and heel-and-handbag combos. Josh Eells, Rolling Stone, 24 June 2010
Josh Eells, Rolling Stone, 24 June 2010big up
2 of 2noun
US slang
: an expression of thanks or praise
The love has indeed come in the States, via sheer word of mouth, big ups from artists … and heavy airplay … Kimberly Chun, San Francisco Chronicle, 3 Feb. 2011
Kimberly Chun, San Francisco Chronicle, 3 Feb. 2011Give kudos where kudos due, and no one will object to big ups being given to you for your part in a joint endeavor. Chicago Daily Herald, 19 Sept. 2010
Chicago Daily Herald, 19 Sept. 2010All season long we've given Smith big ups for erasing such unsavory shot selection from his barren offensive repertoire. Peter Vecsey, New York Post, 30 Apr. 2010
Peter Vecsey, New York Post, 30 Apr. 2010
Word History
First Known Use
Transitive Verb
1943, in the meaning defined above
Noun
1992, in the meaning defined above