spark up

C1 informal both both

In simple words

to start smoking or start talking in an energetic way

Literal meaning: to make something produce a spark and start

Meanings

1 C1 idiomatic informal

common

to light a cigarette, cigar, or joint and begin smoking it

"He stepped outside to spark up a cigarette after dinner."

Grammar: both

2 C1 idiomatic informal

uncommon

to begin a lively conversation, argument, or reaction

"Her comment sparked up a debate that lasted all evening."

Grammar: both

Usage notes

Most common in informal British and Irish English for lighting a cigarette. It can also be used more loosely for starting a lively chat or reaction.

cigarette joint conversation chat argument engine

Base

spark up

I/you/we/they

3rd person

sparks up

he/she/it

Past simple

sparked up

yesterday

Past participle

sparked up

have + pp

-ing form

sparking up

continuous

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