1 B2 idiomatic informal
To direct jokes, criticism, or mockery at those with more power, privilege, or status.
"Satire works best when it punches up — targeting politicians and corporations rather than ordinary people."
inseparable
punch up
B2 informal separable transitive/intransitive
To direct criticism or humour at those with more power or status, or to make a piece of writing more energetic and impactful.
In plain English
To joke about or criticise people more powerful than you, or to make writing more exciting.
What does "punch up" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To revise and improve a piece of writing, especially a script, making it more energetic, funny, or engaging.
"They hired a comedy writer to punch up the dialogue in the second act."
separable
3 B1 idiomatic informal
(British English, informal) A physical fight or brawl (used as a noun: 'a punch-up').
"There was a bit of a punch-up outside the pub after the match."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
In boxing, to fight against someone in a heavier class — idiomatically extended to challenging the powerful.
Actually means
To joke about or criticise people more powerful than you, or to make writing more exciting.
Usage tip
The social-commentary sense ('punching up') is the opposite of 'punching down' and is considered more acceptable in comedy and satire. The writing sense ('punch up a script') is very common in the entertainment industry.
Words that pair with "punch up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
script comedy writing power authority dialogue
How to conjugate "punch up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
punch up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
punches up
he/she/it
Past simple
punched up
yesterday
Past participle
punched up
have + pp
-ing form
punching up
continuous
Hear "punch up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "punch up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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