rock up
B1 informal intransitive
In simple words
To just show up somewhere without telling anyone you were coming.
Literal meaning: To roll or move upward — not meaningful here; the 'rock' carries a connotation of casual, swaggering movement.
Meanings
1 B1
idiomatic
informal
To arrive somewhere in a casual or unplanned way, sometimes unexpectedly or late.
"He just rocked up at the party without being invited and helped himself to the food."
2 B1 informal
To arrive at a place or event, used neutrally to describe someone's appearance.
"The whole team rocked up to the meeting five minutes early."
Usage notes
Chiefly British and Australian English. Often used with a slightly negative connotation — implying that the person arrived without invitation, late, or unprepared. Frequently followed by 'at' or 'to' + place. Common in spoken language and informal writing.
Commonly used with
late unannounced uninvited party door meeting
Forms
Base
rock up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
rocks up
he/she/it
Past simple
rocked up
yesterday
Past participle
rocked up
have + pp
-ing form
rocking up
continuous
Understand "rock up" better
Try:
Real video examples
Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.
Want to master this phrasal verb?
Practice "rock up" on Looplines