1 C1 idiomatic informal
To gain body fat, especially in a noticeable or rounded way, often used humorously or self-deprecatingly
"I always chub up a bit over Christmas — too much good food!"
chub up
C1 informal intransitive
To gain weight, especially in a soft or chubby way (informal, often humorous)
In plain English
To get a little fatter or chubbier, usually said in a friendly or funny way
What does "chub up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 idiomatic informal
Used of young animals or babies, to grow plumper and rounder as they develop
"Look at how the puppy has chubbed up since we brought him home last month!"
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
'Chub' refers to chubbiness (fat); 'up' suggests an increase — so literally 'become chubbier'
Actually means
To get a little fatter or chubbier, usually said in a friendly or funny way
Usage tip
Very informal and relatively rare. Often used self-deprecatingly or humorously — not considered polite to use about others. More common in American casual speech. Can sometimes refer to animals (e.g. a puppy 'chubbing up'). May cause offence if used carelessly.
Words that pair with "chub up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
a bit over winter slightly noticeably during the holidays
How to conjugate "chub up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
chub up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
chubs up
he/she/it
Past simple
chubed up
yesterday
Past participle
chubed up
have + pp
-ing form
chubing up
continuous
Hear "chub up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "chub up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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