sugar up
To eat lots of sweets or sugary food, or to give someone lots of sugar to eat.
Meanings
To eat a large amount of sugary food or drink, especially to get an energy boost.
"The cyclists sugared up before the race, eating bananas and energy gels to fuel their performance."
To give someone, especially a child, a lot of sweet food, often resulting in hyperactive or excited behavior.
"Please don't sugar up the kids right before bedtime — they'll never go to sleep."
To make something more appealing or palatable, often in a slightly deceptive way (similar to 'sugar-coat').
"He tried to sugar up the bad news by reminding his team of all the good things that had happened that year."
Common in informal American English, especially when talking about children being given sweets before a big event. The idea that sugar causes hyperactivity in children is a popular belief, though not strongly supported by science. Often used humorously.
Commonly used with
Forms
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