1 C1 idiomatic informal
To become cheerful and lively, or to make someone else more cheerful. (Archaic/dialectal.)
"A warm cup of tea and some kind words chirked him up after the long cold journey."
separable
chirk up
C1 informal separable transitive/intransitive
To become more cheerful and lively, or to make someone else feel that way.
In plain English
To cheer up and feel better — an old-fashioned way to say it.
What does "chirk up" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Usage tip
Archaic or dialectal. Found mainly in older American English, particularly in rural or regional dialects. Virtually absent from modern standard English. Learners should use 'cheer up' or 'perk up' instead. Not to be confused with 'chirp up.'
Words that pair with "chirk up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
spirits mood day tone
How to conjugate "chirk up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
chirk up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
chirks up
he/she/it
Past simple
chirked up
yesterday
Past participle
chirked up
have + pp
-ing form
chirking up
continuous
Hear "chirk up" in the wild
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Other ways to say "chirk up"
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