Ginger up

Meaning

The idiom "ginger up" is used to mean to encourage or motivate someone, especially to prepare them for something challenging or difficult. It can also be used to describe being more energetic or enthusiastic about something.

Usage

• The coach gingered up the team before their big game.
• I need to ginger up my colleagues for this project deadline.
• She's always been a bit reserved, but after some encouragement from her friend, she started to ginger up and become more outgoing.
• The speaker gingered up the audience with his motivational speech.
• He was feeling down, but then I gingered him up and we went for a run together.

Roots and History

The phrase "ginger up" is believed to have originated from the 19th century when ginger ale was popular in Europe. Ginger ale was often used as a pick-me-up or energy drink, which is why it became associated with motivating or encouraging someone. The phrase "give me ginger" was also used to request more alcohol or stimulation, further reinforcing the association between ginger and energy. Over time, the meaning of "ginger up" has evolved to include any form of encouragement or motivation. The phrase is now commonly used in everyday conversation and is considered a commonly understood idiom in English.

Synonyms in English

• Motivate
• Encourage
• Pep talk
• Spur on
• Get someone fired up

Synonyms in other languages

• Spanish - "animar" (to animate)
• French - "encourager" (to encourage)
• German - "anregen" (to stimulate)
• Italian - "animerare" (to animate)
• Portuguese - "encorajar" (to encourage)

Similar Idioms

• go steady

• give a shot

• give airs