chum up: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘chum up’ mean?
The idiom "chum up" means to become friends or develop a close relationship with someone. It implies a sense of camaraderie and often suggests an effort to gain favor or support from the person being chummed up to.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "team up with" means to collaborate or work together with someone, usually to achieve a common goal or purpose.
The idiom "kiss up to" means to flatter, praise, or show excessive admiration to someone, often in order to gain favor or win their approval. It implies insincere or obsequious behavior.
The idiom "kiss up" means to flatter or praise someone excessively in order to gain favor or advantage, usually in a sycophantic or insincere manner.
The idiom *hutch up* means to crowd together or squeeze into a small space. It is often used to describe a group of people or animals gathering closely together in a confined area.
The idiom "hook up" means to connect or link something together, often referring to people beginning a romantic or sexual relationship.
The idiom "gum up" means to make something not work properly or become stuck due to a build-up of sticky or obstructive material, similar to how chewing gum can stick and clog a machine or mechanism.
The idiom "go along to get along" means to conform or agree with others in order to avoid conflict or maintain harmony, often sacrificing personal opinions or beliefs.
The idiom "get together" means to meet or gather with someone or a group of people, typically for socializing or discussing something.
The Unlikely Bond
The idiom "chum up" is a commonly used phrase in the English language. It is often used in informal settings and has a distinct meaning that is understood by native English speakers.
One factual aspect of this idiom is that it is derived from the noun "chum," a term historically used to describe a close friend or companion. "Chum" originated from the mid-17th century and initially referred to a roommate or someone with whom one shared living quarters. Over time, the meaning expanded to encompass a close friend or buddy.
The verb "chum up" emerged at a later date, likely in the late 19th or early 20th century. It evolved from the noun form, emphasizing the act of forming a friendly relationship with someone. The phrase's etymology indicates a connection to the notion of camaraderie and companionship.
"Chum up" has a specific usage and connotation. It refers to the deliberate act of establishing or strengthening a friendly relationship with someone, often for personal gain or advantage. This could entail engaging in activities together, sharing jokes or secrets, or expressing mutual support and goodwill. The phrase implies intentionality and active effort to foster a sense of closeness, rather than simply superficial friendliness or politeness.
In contemporary usage, "chum up" may have a slightly informal or casual tone. It is commonly employed in everyday conversations and can be found in various forms of media, such as literature, movies, and television shows. While more commonly used in spoken language, it can also appear in written texts with a less formal register.
The idiomatic expression "chum up" does not have any specific regional or cultural associations. It is universally understood among native English speakers. However, its usage may vary slightly from one English-speaking country to another, reflecting the nuances and idiosyncrasies of each linguistic community.
"Chum up" is related to the idiom "chum in the water." While "chum in the water" refers to the act of attracting attention or interest, often in a negative or manipulative way, "chum up" focuses on the intentional establishment of a friendly relationship. Both idioms involve interaction with others but differ in their motivations and outcomes.
Another related idiom is "chat up," which implies engaging in conversation with someone in a friendly or flirtatious manner. While "chum up" involves forming a friendly bond, "chat up" specifically refers to verbal interaction with the aim of establishing a connection or romantic interest.
Additionally, the idiom "chirk up" relates to "chum up" in terms of fostering a positive mood or attitude. "Chirk up" means to brighten up or become more cheerful, often with the help or support of others. It can be seen as a form of "chumming up" oneself, by seeking out the companionship and encouragement of others to improve one's disposition.
The idiom "chum up" is a widely used phrase in the English language, indicating the deliberate act of forming or strengthening a friendly relationship. It can be found in both spoken and written English, with a sense of camaraderie and intentional bonding. While it does not have specific regional or cultural associations, its usage may vary slightly across different English-speaking countries. Related idioms such as "chum in the water," "chat up," and "chirk up" offer additional nuances and perspectives on interacting with others and improving one's mood.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "chum up" can be used in a sentence:
- They decided to chum up and go to the movies together.
- Despite their initial differences, the two coworkers chummed up after working on a project together.
- After a long day at school, the children often chum up and play video games together.
More "Verb" idioms
