Suck it up

[thedaffodils]

Hello! I watched an American film - Ugly Betty. Here's the context. Previously Betty's boss told Betty to get her butt out of his life. Betty felt unhappy about this. Next day, before entering her boss's office, she said to herself, "Suck it up. It's just a job."

I've looked up the dictionary and learned what suck it up means. But could someone please explain why "suck it up" means that? And is there any vulgar or negative side of this slang? I mean whether I can use it safely? Thanks!

suck it up

To endure a period of mental, physical, or emotional hardship with no complaining.

I don't care if you're sad, get out there, suck it up and deal with it!

Urban Dictionary: suck it up

[jlinger]

Imagine the downtrodden, sad, lonely, dispirited, and ulgy Betty. Think of her posture. Her head hangs, her chin on her chest, her shoulders droop.

Suck it up!

She straightens her shoulders, inhales deeply and fills her chest, pulls her head up and back.

She has just sucked it up.

And no, there are no vulgar connotations in this context.

[thedeebo]

I think the meaning may come from the act of taking a deep breath and holding it before you experience something you know will be painful or difficult.

It is not necessarily vulgar. It can be derogatory, it can be encouraging, or it can be friendly depending on the context that it is being used.

[thedaffodils]

Jlinger and Thedeebo ,

Thank you for your good illustrations.

[Unwritten]

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Hi ,

I have learnt this idiom in the college, an American lecturer told us about it, and I think it is safe to use it !



Best Regards !

[thedaffodils]

Hi Unwritten,

Welcome to the forums. Thank you for your reply.