big up

To praise someone or something publicly, sometimes making them seem better or more important than they are.

• Let’s big up our volunteers.
• He bigged up his new album in every interview.
• Why do they keep bigging that player up?

How to use it: big someone/something up (The presenter bigged the band up before their performance.)

Similar words: praise, promote, talk up, hype

Opposites: criticize, belittle

Common phrases: big up someone, big up something, big up yourself

To make something sound more important or impressive than it really is.

• Don’t big up a tiny success.
• He bigged up his role in the project.
• The adverts keep bigging up a fairly ordinary product.

How to use it: big something up (They bigged the deal up to attract investors.)

Similar words: talk up, hype, exaggerate

Opposites: downplay, understate

Common phrases: big up something, big up achievements

A public expression of strong praise, thanks, or respect.

• A big up to our amazing team.
• The singer gave a big up to her fans.
• Our volunteers deserve a big up.

How to use it: a big up to someone (A big up to everyone who helped us.)

Similar words: shout-out, tribute, praise

Common phrases: a big up, big up to someone