To undergo a striking improvement in appearance, confidence, or overall life quality, usually over time.
To go from looking ordinary or struggling to looking amazing and having a great life — like a big makeover.
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
To improve dramatically in physical appearance, often from adolescence to adulthood.
"He was awkward in high school, but he really glowed up by the time he started university."
She posted a side-by-side and the caption just said 'glow up' — and honestly, she wasn't lying.
— Twitter/X, widely circulated 2016–2019 (representative example of viral usage)
To improve significantly in confidence, lifestyle, or personal success.
"After quitting her toxic job, she completely glowed up — she seemed happier than ever."
To grow while glowing with light — suggesting radiance and upward progress.
To go from looking ordinary or struggling to looking amazing and having a great life — like a big makeover.
Internet and social media slang, popularised around 2015. Common on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Used as a noun ('her glow up is real') and a verb. Often refers to the transition from adolescence to adulthood. Mainly used by younger speakers.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Listen to native speakers using "glow up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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