Brisk Up
/brɪsk ʌp/noun
To become or make more lively, energetic, cheerful, or active.
Did you know?The phrase combines the uncertain-origin word “brisk,” meaning lively or energetic, with “up,” an ancient directional word that English speakers have long used metaphorically for improvement and activation.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*upo
“Under, up from beneath, or upward—an ancient directional root with contrasting spatial uses.”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*upp
“Upward; above.”
Old English
Old English
up
“Upward, aloft, or from a lower position; later also used metaphorically for increase and improvement.”
16th Century
English
brisk
“Lively, quick, energetic, or vivacious; its deeper origin is uncertain, with proposed connections to French and Dutch forms.”
19th Century
English
brisk up
“To become more lively or to make something more active, cheerful, or vigorous.”
Modern English
English
brisk up
“To revive energy, activity, or spirits.”