1 A2 neutral
To cut something into multiple smaller pieces.
"Cut it up into equal portions before you serve it to the children."
mixed
cut it up
B1 informal mixed transitive
To cut something into pieces; informally, to perform or show off energetically on a dance floor or in a performance.
In plain English
To cut something into many pieces, or (slang) to dance or perform very energetically.
What does "cut it up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 idiomatic slang
American slang for dancing energetically and showing off one's moves.
"They really cut it up on the dance floor at the wedding — everyone stopped to watch."
mixed
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To cut an object up into smaller pieces.
Actually means
To cut something into many pieces, or (slang) to dance or perform very energetically.
Usage tip
The 'it' is often fixed in the idiomatic sense. In American slang, especially in hip-hop and dance cultures, 'cut it up' or 'cut up' means to dance with great energy and skill. In the literal sense, it is straightforward.
Words that pair with "cut it up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
food paper dance floor stage scissors knife
How to conjugate "cut it up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
cut it up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
cuts it up
he/she/it
Past simple
cut it up
yesterday
Past participle
cut it up
have + pp
-ing form
cutting it up
continuous
Hear "cut it up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "cut it up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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