1 C1 idiomatic informal
To artificially create or manufacture enthusiasm, support, or a controversy, often dishonestly.
"The campaign tried to gin up voter anger with misleading statistics."
separable
gin up
C1 informal separable transitive
To create, fabricate, or artificially generate something, especially enthusiasm, support, or a story.
In plain English
To make up or manufacture something — like fake excitement or a false story — to get what you want.
What does "gin up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 idiomatic informal
To produce or put together something quickly, sometimes with the implication of low quality or manipulation.
"They ginned up a report overnight to present to the board in the morning."
separable
Usage tip
Primarily American English. Often used in political journalism to describe the artificial manufacture of outrage, controversy, or enthusiasm. Carries a negative connotation of dishonesty or manipulation. Origin is disputed — possibly from 'ginger up' or from 'engine' (to engineer).
Words that pair with "gin up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
outrage controversy support enthusiasm fear charges
How to conjugate "gin up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
gin up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
gins up
he/she/it
Past simple
gined up
yesterday
Past participle
gined up
have + pp
-ing form
gining up
continuous
Hear "gin up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "gin up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.