“Turn up” means to increase the volume, intensity, or level of something—like music, heat, or excitement. It can also mean to arrive or show up somewhere, often in a fun or unexpected way.
In daily life, you might say “Turn up the volume” when your favorite song starts playing, or “She really turned up at the party” when someone arrives looking amazing and full of energy. Friends often text each other “The party’s lit—turn up!” to encourage showing up and joining the fun.
Meaning & Usage Examples
• “Can you turn up the heater? It’s freezing.”
• “Jay turned up late but brought pizza, so we forgave him.”
• “Turn up your focus if you want to finish this level.”
Common Contexts
People use “turn up” in two main ways: 1) adjusting something louder or stronger, and 2) showing up ready to enjoy or hype an event. It’s casual and popular in music, sports, and social media.
Is “turn up” slang?
Yes, it’s casual slang when it means “arrive ready to party,” but it’s also standard English when you simply mean “increase volume or heat.”
Can “turn up” be used in formal writing?
No—stick to “increase” or “arrive” in formal documents.
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