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Thread: "Up" as a verb....

  1. #1
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    Default "Up" as a verb....

    Well why not accept the Singapore usage of using "off" and "on" as verbs too in that case?

    BBC News - Marriage and divorce 'up weight', says study

    I think the use of "off the TV please" in Singlish is quite concise and almost elegant. Just as good as the British usage according to which "up" is a verb.

    What do others think?

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    Default Re: "Up" as a verb....

    Quote Originally Posted by konungursvia View Post
    Well why not accept the Singapore usage of using "off" and "on" as verbs too in that case?

    BBC News - Marriage and divorce 'up weight', says study

    I think the use of "off the TV please" in Singlish is quite concise and almost elegant. Just as good as the British usage according to which "up" is a verb.

    What do others think?
    I've never heard "off" as a verb, but I haven't been to Singapore either. I think it's very much in the spirit of the English language. I like it.
    konungursvia likes this.

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    Default Re: "Up" as a verb....

    I like it too. It's sleek and concise.

    Have I ever read something like 'he upped and went' meaning he left?

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    Default Re: "Up" as a verb....

    Quote Originally Posted by birdeen's call View Post
    I've never heard "off" as a verb, ...
    I believe that 'to off' somebody can mean 'to kill' them in some criminal jargon.

    Quote Originally Posted by Hedwig View Post
    Have I ever read something like 'he upped and went' meaning he left?
    Yes. It's usually a fairly abrupt departure.
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  5. #5
    J&K Tutoring is offline Member
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    Default Re: "Up" as a verb....

    In poker (and similar endeavors), sometimes we talk about "upping the ante"...

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    Tdol is online now Editor, UsingEnglish.com
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    Default Re: "Up" as a verb....

    I like off the TV as a verb.

  7. #7
    Tdol is online now Editor, UsingEnglish.com
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    Default Re: "Up" as a verb....

    And people up sticks and leave.
    JarekSteliga likes this.

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