What is perk up? How to use in English

Definition & pronunciation of perk up

perk upphrasal verb

phấn chấn lên

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Where does the word perk up come from?

The phrase "perk up" is aicolated expression used to suggest that someone should become more alert, enthusiastic, or lively. The origin of this phrase can be traced back to the early 20th century, around the 1920s, where it initially had a different meaning. At that time, "perk" referred to a small allowance or gratuity given to an employee as a part of their compensation package. This word was commonly used in the context of business, particularly with respect to employee benefits. The term "perk up" was then used to encourage employees to become more active and productive, both mentally and physically, which could result in a higher level of performance and success in their roles. The use of "perk up" to describe a general sense of reanimation or revival beyond the context of work emerged in the 1960s, primarily in the United States. By the 1980s, the phrase had gained widespread popularity and was commonly used in everyday conversation to refer to the act of awakening or lively animation in general. Today, "perk up" is widely recognized as a common and informal expression used to suggest that someone should become more animated, lively, or alert. It is a versatile phrase that can be employed in various contexts, from workplaces to social settings, to motivate people to become more lively and enthusiastic.

Example of vocabulary perk upnamespace

  • The barista shouted, "I'll add a shot of espresso to your latte to perk you up!"
  • The morning sunlight peeked through the curtains, perking up the dimly lit room.
  • The sound of birds chirping and leaves rustling in the wind served as a natural symphony to perk up the serene atmosphere.
  • The bright yellow daisies in the garden caught my neighbor's attention, perking her up as she walked by.
  • The warm aroma of freshly baked cookies wafted from the kitchen, instantly perking up my senses.

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