Definition of the word pitch up

The phrase "pitch up" is a colloquial expression that originated in regional dialects of English, particularly in South Africa. It has two distinct meanings, one related to camping and the other to suddenly appearing or arriving at a location. The camping meaning of "pitch up" is derived from the verb "to pitch," which refers to the act of setting up a tent. When someone "pitches up" in a camping context, they've arrived at a campsite and set up their tent. This expression is popular among campers in South Africa because of the country's abundance of national parks and wilderness areas. The second meaning of "pitch up" is a figurative usage that originated among the working-class communities in South Africa as a way to describe someone suddenly appearing at a location. This expression is often used in a negative context to describe unwanted or unexpected visitors, such as when someone introduces an unwelcome subject or situation into a conversation or meeting. Over time, the expression "pitch up" has become popular outside of South Africa, particularly in the United Kingdom, and is used in a variety of contexts, both literal and figurative, reflecting its versatility and relevance in contemporary English.