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pick-me-up

pick-me-up

26 4.2
A drink or small activity that makes you feel more energetic when tired
  • noun
  • /ˈpɪkˌmiːˌʌp/
translation icon : revitalizante
  • A warm cup of coffee is the perfect pick-me-up on a chilly morning.
  • need a pick-me-up
  • quick pick-me-up
  • little pick-me-up

It just gives your skin an amazing little pick me up, just a nice glow.

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Examples

  • You know, you just sounded so down earlier, I thought you could use a pick-me-up.

  • Lamar comes here every day after work for a pick-me-up.

    Fiction book (1992)
  • I usually get my pick me up here in the L'Oreal break room.

  • Music can be a great pick-me-up for when you are feeling stressed.

    Blog text (27)
  • How's this for a pick-me-up?

  • I love Mountain Dew because it's delicious and a great pick-me-up during a crappy day at work.

    Blog text (5)
  • Here are 16 terrific SF and fantasy novels that are the perfect pick-me-up if you're feeling blue.

    Blog text (8)
  • After a long day at work, she enjoyed a refreshing smoothie as a pick-me-up.

  • He took a short walk outside to get a little pick-me-up from the fresh air.

Synonyms

pickup
vspick-me-up
  • Informal
4 4.2

Something that gives you a short burst of energy

is used more generally and not limited to brief revivals
energy boost
vspick-me-up
2 3.2

A quick increase in how active and awake you feel after food, drink or activity

is gentler, covering refreshment as well as sudden energy rises
refresher
vspick-me-up
1 2.3

A cold drink that makes you feel better when you are tired or hot

covers drinks or activities that energize, not only simple refreshment
picker-upper
vspick-me-up
  • Informal
1 6.6

Something that makes you feel happier and more energetic

is about physical refreshment and energy rather than only mood
bracer
vspick-me-up
  • Archaic
9.9

A small strong drink taken to give quick strength or cheer

is broader and includes non alcoholic or activity based revivers

Antonyms

depressant
  • Specialized
1 6.6

Causing the body or mind to work more slowly

How Energizing

energy boost
2 3.2
coffee
1.0
pick-me-up
26 4.2
snack
471 1.0
rest
703 1.0

Surface Forms

pick-me-up singular
pick-me-ups plural

Morphology

pick-me-up = pick + me + up (transparent) = pick + me + up

The noun denotes something that 'picks me up' (i.e., restores energy), directly derived from the phrasal verb 'pick up' with 'me' as the affected person.

Etymology

Pick-me-up comes from the little phrase made of pick and up, which together mean 'lift', with the 'me' showing it helps you personally. So a pick-me-up is a drink or small thing that 'lifts you up' when you are tired and makes you feel more awake or happy.