pick-me-up

[ pik-mee-uhp ]

/ ˈpɪk miˌʌp /

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See synonyms for pick-me-up on Thesaurus.com

noun Informal.

an alcoholic drink taken to restore one's energy or good spirits.

any restorative, as a snack or coffee.

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Also called pickup.

Origin of pick-me-up

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

Words nearby pick-me-up

pickleball, pickled, pickle juice, pickleworm, picklock, pick-me-up, pick 'n' mix, pick-off, pick of the litter, pick on, pick one's way

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

MORE ABOUT PICK ME UP

What does pick-me-up mean?

A pick-me-up is something that restores a person’s energy, improves their mood, or generally lifts their spirits, such as a caffeinated drink or a snack, as in I drink coffee every morning because I need a pick-me-up before work.

Pick-me-ups can also involve intangible things that help boost your energy or mood, like receiving a compliment, taking a nap, taking a walk, or watching your favorite TV show after a hard day.

The term can also specifically refer to an alcoholic drink that is drunk for the purpose of restoring one’s energy or spirit.

The word pickup is sometimes used to mean the same thing as pick-me-up, but it is much less common.

Example: I could really use a pick-me-up after the terrible morning I just had.

Where does pick-me-up come from?

The first records of the term pick-me-up come from the 1860s. It is a noun usage of the verb phrase pick me up. Something that acts as a pick-me-up picks up, or gathers up, a person out of a state of low energy or spirit and puts them into a state of higher energy or spirit.

Although alcohol and caffeine are two common pick-me-ups, health experts often suggest healthier alternatives, such as going for a walk, taking a nap, meditating, or doing a hobby you enjoy. (Naps aren’t just for kids!)

The name of the dessert tiramisu is formed from the Italian phrase tira mi sù, which translates as “pick me up”—probably in reference to the fact that it’s made with multiple ingredients often considered pick-me-ups, including chocolate, coffee, and wine.

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What are some other forms related to pick-me-up?

pick-me-ups (plural)

What are some synonyms for pick-me-up?

What are some words that share a root or word element with pick-me-up?

What are some words that often get used in discussing pick-me-up?

How is pick-me-up used in real life?

Pick-me-up is informal. It can refer to things that you consume, like drinks and snacks, or to intangible things, like a bit of good news that brightens your day.

Is there any good news in the world? I can't take all of this misery. Send me pics of your cute pets/babies. I need a pick-me-up.

— Emily C. Singer (@CahnEmily) September 14, 2020

Tonight was much needed. Got to go out, drink and dance 💃🏽😁 lord knows I needed a pick-me-up!

— Katherine. (@216_ktc) September 20, 2020

Well, this is an excellent Monday pick-me-up! Thank you, @scottsemegran! https://t.co/6otpAxNg5n

— RDT4 (@RDT4) October 19, 2020

Try using pick-me-up!

Is pick-me-up used correctly in the following sentence?

I drink tea as a pick-me-up after a tiring day.

How to use pick-me-up in a sentence

This fancy spice pack pairs with four different spirits—vodka, tequila, aquavit, and gin—to ensure the perfect morning pick-me-up.
The Daily Beast’s 2014 Holiday Gift Guide: For the Don Draper in Your Life|Allison McNearney|November 29, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Oh, and it was commonly considered a morning drink—quite the sunrise pick-me-up.
The Rise and Fall…and Rise Again of the Old-Fashioned|Allison McNearney|June 14, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Such efforts will do little for the health of the wetlands, but could provide a minor pick-me-up for local economies.
Three Years After Gulf Oil Spill, Money Continues to Flow to Region|Filipa Ioannou|July 29, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Not exactly the rousing anthem needed for your post-gorging pick-me-up.
‘It’s Thanksgiving’ and More Thanksgiving Song Wins and Fails (VIDEO)|Kevin Fallon|November 21, 2012|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.
Pippa's SIMPLE Party Tips|Tom Sykes|November 6, 2012|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.
Journalism for Women|E.A. Bennett
I wanted a pick-me-up so badly, I just had to go in and get it.
The Celebrity at Home|Violet Hunt
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.
War and the Weird|Forbes Phillips
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.
The Mystery of Lincoln's Inn|Robert Machray
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.
The God of His Fathers|Jack London

British Dictionary definitions for pick-me-up

pick-me-up

noun

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

pick-me-up

Origin of pick-me-up

Words nearby pick-me-up

MORE ABOUT PICK ME UP

What does pick-me-up mean?

Where does pick-me-up come from?

Did you know ... ?

How is pick-me-up used in real life?

Try using pick-me-up!

Words related to pick-me-up

How to use pick-me-up in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for pick-me-up