Definition of the word play up

The origin of the phrase "play up" can be traced back to the British military lingo in the late 19th century. At that time, soldiers were encouraged to "play up" (meaning to exert oneself and give one's best effort) during military training and sporting events. The expression "play up" was most commonly used in the context of outdoor team games such as rugby, football, and cricket, where soldiers would rally themselves and their comrades to perform to the best of their abilities. The term referred to the idea of raising one's game and putting in more effort, as opposed to "playing down," which meant performing below one's potential. During the Boer War (1899-1902), this phrase became somewhat of a rallying cry for the troops. The expression was used in war poetry, such as "The Siege of Kimberley," by Rudyard Kipling, to inspire British soldiers in their battle against the Boer forces. Today, "play up" is still in use, although it is less commonly heard outside military or sports contexts. It is still associated with a call to action, urging individuals to give their all to achieving a desired outcome.