1 C1 idiomatic slang
(US Southern dialect) To become aggressive or confrontational, especially by adopting a threatening posture or attitude.
"Don't bow up at me — I'm just trying to have a conversation."
bow up
C1 slang intransitive
Chiefly US Southern dialect: to become aggressive, defensive, or confrontational; to puff oneself up in anger.
In plain English
To act tough or aggressive, like you are about to start a fight.
What does "bow up" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To bend or curve (bow) upward, as a cat arches its back when threatened.
Actually means
To act tough or aggressive, like you are about to start a fight.
Usage tip
Primarily used in US Southern and rural dialects. Rarely used outside those regions and not widely understood. Can also describe an animal puffing up to appear larger as a threat display. Not used in formal contexts.
Words that pair with "bow up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
angry at someone attitude fight threaten
How to conjugate "bow up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
bow up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
bows up
he/she/it
Past simple
bowed up
yesterday
Past participle
bowed up
have + pp
-ing form
bowing up
continuous
Hear "bow up" in the wild
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Other ways to say "bow up"
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