pick-me-up

[ pik-mee-uhp ]

noun

, Informal.

1. an alcoholic drink taken to restore one's energy or good spirits.
2. any restorative, as a snack or coffee.

pick-me-up

noun

1. informal.
   a tonic or restorative, esp a special drink taken as a stimulant

Word History and Origins

Origin of pick-me-up¹

First recorded in 1865–70; noun use v. of phrase pick me up

Example Sentences

This fancy spice pack pairs with four different spirits—vodka, tequila, aquavit, and gin—to ensure the perfect morning pick-me-up.

From The Daily Beast

Oh, and it was commonly considered a morning drink—quite the sunrise pick-me-up.

From The Daily Beast

Such efforts will do little for the health of the wetlands, but could provide a minor pick-me-up for local economies.

From The Daily Beast

Not exactly the rousing anthem needed for your post-gorging pick-me-up.

From The Daily Beast

Coffee is a great pick-me-up on to put some zing in those long Monday mornings, can be served with or without milk and/or sugar.

From The Daily Beast

Pick-Me-Up devotes itself to the humour of the music-hall, and is probably not largely beholden to women for its sprightliness.

From Project Gutenberg

I wanted a pick-me-up so badly, I just had to go in and get it.

From Project Gutenberg

But I might say that she is in fulness a woman—not a fribble, or one of those pick-me-up-and-carry-me women.

From Project Gutenberg

In the mean time, I'll fetch him a strong pick-me-up and some light, nourishing food of which he stands much in need.

From Project Gutenberg

A cussed little fool to tackle a trip like this, but a plucky sight better than those pick-me-up-and-carry-me kind of women.

From Project Gutenberg