1 C1 idiomatic slang
To gain weight, especially in a short time or in an undesirable way.
"I really porked up over the Christmas holidays — I need to get back to the gym."
inseparable
pork up
C1 slang inseparable intransitive
To gain weight, especially a noticeable and unwelcome amount.
In plain English
To get fatter, especially in a way you didn't want.
What does "pork up" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
The word 'pork' evokes pig fat; 'up' indicates an increase — together suggesting gaining weight like a fattening pig.
Actually means
To get fatter, especially in a way you didn't want.
Usage tip
Crude informal American English slang. Considered impolite when used about other people. Has a self-deprecating tone when used about oneself. Rarely heard in British English. ESL learners should be aware it can cause offence.
Words that pair with "pork up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
holiday winter quickly beer junk food stress
How to conjugate "pork up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
pork up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
porks up
he/she/it
Past simple
porked up
yesterday
Past participle
porked up
have + pp
-ing form
porking up
continuous
Hear "pork up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "pork up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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