What does kickup mean?
A kickup is a sudden outbreak of commotion, noise, excitement, or argument. The expression is informal and chiefly North American, and it often carries the sense of a lively disturbance rather than a serious crisis: a delay, an unexpected decision, or the arrival of an eccentric person might all cause a kickup. The word can also refer to a party or social gathering, a use particularly associated with the American South. In this second sense, “kickup” suggests music, dancing, and exuberant communal fun rather than a formal event. Although now usually written as one word, it developed from the phrasal verb “kick up,” which means to make or cause a commotion. The word is useful in expressive contexts because it conveys both disturbance and high energy, while the regional party sense gives it a distinctly celebratory character.
A sudden commotion, fuss, or noisy disturbance.
"The surprise announcement set off a kickup among the spectators."
Informal and chiefly North American; often used for an exaggerated but relatively brief disturbance.
A lively social gathering or party, especially in Southern US English.
"Everyone stayed late at the Friday-night kickup."
This sense is especially associated with the American South and denotes an energetic, informal celebration.
The plural is used when referring to separate disturbances, events, or parties.
"The office was filled with kickups over the new schedule."
In the American South, a “kickup” can be just as likely to mean a lively party as a noisy disturbance.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does kickup come from?
“Kickup” was formed in American English from “kick” and “up,” drawing on the phrasal verb “kick up,” an expression associated with raising noise, commotion, or activity. The compound noun became established during the 19th century. It has no separate cognate in another language; its related English forms, such as “kickoff,” “kickback,” and “kicker,” all develop from the same older verb “kick.”
Related word forms
How kickup is actually used
The word is informal and chiefly North American. The party sense is especially associated with Southern US speech; outside that region, “kickup” is more likely to suggest a disturbance or commotion.