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changeup

changeup

1 5.3
A sudden change in plan to surprise an opponent
  • noun
  • /ˈtʃeɪndʒˌʌp/
translation icon : cambio inesperado
  • The team's clever use of a changeup caught the opposing batters off guard during the game.

Examples

  • So I try and do a circle changeup.

  • You gotta show me how to do a circle changeup.

  • There's a moment after the grand slam, before Mat Latos is out of the game, where Latos looks toward first and says something -- might have been "changeup," as in, "should have thrown him ..." -- and he has this look on him.

    Blog text (10)
  • During the meeting, her unexpected changeup in presentation style helped engage the audience more effectively.

  • In tennis, using a changeup in your serving strategy can confuse your opponent and give you an advantage.

Synonyms

switch
vschangeup
153 3.2

A change from one thing or person to another

is a planned tactic to surprise or confuse an opponent rather than an ordinary change
switcheroo
vschangeup
  • Slang
9 9.5

A sudden swap that surprises and tricks people

is a planned tactical move rather than a deceptive quick exchange

How Surprising

to surprise
111 4.5
changeup
1 5.3
to feint
2 8.2
shift
363 3.5
adjustment
133 2.9

Surface Forms

changeup singular
changeups plural

Morphology

changeup = change + up (semi-transparent) = change + up

The sense 'a deliberate tactical change intended to surprise' is a clear extension of 'change', but the idiomatic nuance ('to surprise/confuse') is not completely predictable from the parts.

Etymology

Changeup joins change and up to mean a sudden switch in style or plan meant to surprise someone. A helpful way to remember this is to think of the baseball pitch that fools the batter — a tactical changeup also aims to catch the opponent off guard.