sex up: Idiom Meaning and Origin

The idiom "sex up" is commonly used in English, particularly in informal contexts. It means to make something more sexually provocative or appealing. In the entertainment industry, "sexing up" refers to adding sexual content or imagery to a production to attract a larger audience. This can involve explicit scenes in movies or provocative costumes in music videos. It aims to make the product more enticing to a certain demographic.

Metaphorically, "sex up" means to make something more exciting, sensational, or interesting. It is used when there is a desire to increase the attractiveness or appeal of an idea, concept, or story. For instance, a news story may be described as "sexed up" if certain details or angles are exaggerated or sensationalized to make it more compelling to readers or viewers. Similarly, a presentation or advertisement may be accused of being "sexed up" if it employs exaggerated claims or imagery to make a product appear more desirable.

This idiom's direct and evocative nature makes it powerful and impactful in contemporary English. It is used in a variety of contexts, ranging from entertainment and media to everyday conversations. Its versatility allows it to convey both literal and metaphorical meanings with ease, making it a popular choice for expressing the idea of enhancing something's appeal or interest.

However, it is important to note the potential controversy surrounding the use of the phrase "sex up." Due to its association with sexual content and the potential for exploitation, it can be seen as objectifying or demeaning. Some argue that it perpetuates harmful stereotypes and contributes to the commodification of sexuality. As a result, its usage should be approached with caution and sensitivity.

The idiom "sex up" is widely recognized in English with both literal and metaphorical meanings. It conveys the idea of making something more sexually provocative or appealing, as well as more exciting or interesting. While it is a powerful and impactful idiom, it is also important to consider the potential controversies and implications associated with using it. Overall, its popularity and versatility make it a significant aspect of contemporary English language.

The idiom "trump up" is similar to "sex up" in that it involves the act of making something more exciting or sensational. However, "trump up" specifically refers to the act of fabricating or exaggerating something, often in a negative context. It can be used to describe the creation of false accusations or the use of deceitful tactics in order to make something appear more serious or important than it actually is. For example, a journalist may be accused of "trumping up" a story by adding false details to make it more scandalous. Similarly, a prosecutor may be accused of "trumping up" charges against an innocent person in order to secure a conviction. While "trump up" and "sex up" share a common goal of enhancing the appeal or interest of something, "trump up" specifically focuses on the manipulation or fabrication of information.

The idiom "chat up" is a casual phrase that means to engage in flirtatious or light-hearted conversation with someone, often with the intention of attracting their romantic interest. It is commonly used in social or dating contexts to describe the act of initiating and carrying on a conversation in a charming or persuasive manner. For example, if someone is trying to flirt with another person at a party, they may be described as "chatting them up." Similarly, if someone is trying to make a good impression on a potential romantic partner, they may be advised to "chat them up" by engaging in interesting and engaging conversation. While "chat up" and "sex up" are related idioms, they differ in that "sex up" focuses on enhancing the appeal of something through sexual content or imagery, while "chat up" focuses on using conversation to attract romantic interest.

The idiom "play up" is an informal phrase that means to exaggerate or emphasize something, often for dramatic effect. It is commonly used in contexts where there is a desire to make something appear more significant or serious than it actually is. For example, if someone wants to make their injury seem worse than it is in order to gain sympathy, they may be accused of "playing it up." Similarly, if a performer wants to make a scene more dramatic, they may be advised to "play it up" by exaggerating their gestures or emotions. While "play up" and "sex up" both involve the act of enhancing or emphasizing something, "play up" specifically focuses on exaggeration for dramatic effect rather than sexual appeal.

The idiom "sex on legs" is an informal phrase that is used to describe someone who is extremely attractive or seductive. It is often used to emphasize someone's physical appeal and sexiness. For example, if someone sees an exceptionally attractive person, they may describe them as "sex on legs." This phrase is highly colloquial and may be seen as objectifying or demeaning, so it should be used with caution. While "sex up" and "sex on legs" both involve the concept of sexual appeal, "sex on legs" specifically describes someone who is viewed as highly desirable in terms of physical attractiveness.

The idiom "sweeten up" is a phrase that means to make something more pleasant or appealing. It is often used in a metaphorical sense to describe the act of improving a situation or making something more enjoyable. For example, if someone adds sugar to a dish to make it taste better, they may be said to "sweeten it up." Similarly, if someone is trying to improve their relationship with someone else, they may be advised to "sweeten them up" by being kind and thoughtful. While "sweeten up" and "sex up" both involve the act of making something more appealing, "sweeten up" specifically focuses on improving a situation or making something more enjoyable, rather than adding sexual content or imagery.