1 C1 idiomatic informal
To make a person or group more active, enthusiastic, or energetic.
"The coach tried to ginger up the players at halftime with a passionate speech."
separable
ginger up
C1 informal separable transitive
To make something or someone more lively, energetic, or enthusiastic.
In plain English
To add some energy or excitement to something or to encourage someone to try harder.
What does "ginger up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 idiomatic informal
To make an event, situation, or piece of writing more exciting or interesting.
"The editor suggested gingerring up the article with some personal anecdotes."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To add the spice ginger to something to make it more stimulating — historically used of horses.
Actually means
To add some energy or excitement to something or to encourage someone to try harder.
Usage tip
Primarily British English and now somewhat dated. More common in older literature and journalism. 'Ginger' as a verb means to stimulate or enliven, derived from the practice of placing ginger under a horse's tail to make it livelier. Use with caution — 'ginger' can carry racial connotations in some contexts in British English, but 'ginger up' itself does not.
Words that pair with "ginger up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
debate campaign team performance meeting atmosphere
How to conjugate "ginger up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
ginger up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
gingers up
he/she/it
Past simple
gingered up
yesterday
Past participle
gingered up
have + pp
-ing form
gingering up
continuous
Hear "ginger up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "ginger up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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