Definition of the word eat up

The phrase "eat up" is a common English expression that is used to encourage someone, typically a child, to finish their meal quickly. The origin of this phrase can be traced back to the Old English word "æccan," which meant "to devour" or "to consume." This word evolved over time, and by the Middle English period (1100-1500), it had transformed into "etan," which still bears a close resemblance to the modern form of the word. The phrase "eat up" is a compound word that combines the verb "eat" with the preposition "up." The prefix "up" in this case is not meant to convey a sense of vertical motion; rather, it is used to intensify the action of eating. By adding "up" to "eat," we are essentially urging the person being addressed to consume their food as rapidly and completely as possible. The first recorded use of "eat up" in its current form can be found in the 1852 edition of Lewis Carroll's "Tangled Tales," where it appears in a passage that reads, "He eats up all the bread-and-butter and the bacon, and the cheese too!" In summary, the origin of "eat up" can be traced back to the Old English verb "æccan," and its modern form is a result of various linguistic changes that have occurred over time. By combining the verb "eat" with the preposition "up," we are able to create an expression that is both intensified and idiomatic, urging the person being addressed to devour their food at breakneck speed.