Lap It Up: Definition, Meaning, and Origin

Last Updated on
October 28, 2023

The idiomatic expression "lap it up" is derived from the behavior of animals like dogs or cats that drink liquids by lapping them with their tongues. It can indicate the act of thoroughly enjoying or savoring something. This could refer to a variety of experiences, such as a performance, praise, or attention.

In short:

"Lap it up" is an idiom used to depict someone who is eagerly accepting or enjoying praise or a situation, much like a cat laps up milk.

What Does "Lap It Up" Mean?

The phrase "lap it up" is vivid and brings to mind the image of a cat or dog eagerly lapping milk or water.

Here’s a deeper dive into its meaning:

  • It often describes someone eagerly and uncritically accepting praise or attention.
  • The idiom can also imply that the person is enjoying a situation or experience to the fullest, savoring every moment.
  • It can be used in positive and negative contexts to signify genuine enjoyment or imply that someone is overly indulgent or reveling in others' admiration or approval.

Understanding this idiom requires visualizing the enthusiasm and eagerness of a pet lapping up a loved treat and relating it to human behavior, particularly in social situations involving praise and attention.

Where Does "Lap It Up" Come From?

The idiom "lap it up" likely has its roots in the observable behavior of animals, particularly pets like cats and dogs, that lap up liquids such as water or milk with eagerness and enjoyment. This idiom has been used in the English language for many years, symbolizing eagerness and enjoyment, especially in receiving praise or attention, drawing a parallel between the enthusiastic lapping of pets and human behavior in analogous situations.

10 Examples of "Lap It Up" in Sentences

Here are some examples to illustrate how "lap it up" can be used in different contexts:

  • Whenever she receives compliments about her glow-up, she just laps it up.
  • He lapped up all the praise he received after the presentation.
  • She laps up every bit of attention she gets from her fans.
  • The audience lapped it up when the comedian told a lame joke on stage.
  • He lapped up the applause after his performance in the play.
  • She laps it up whenever people recognize her effort; it encourages her to keep up the good work.
  • The dog lapped up the water as if he hadn’t had a drink in days.
  • They lapped up every word of the motivational speaker.
  • She lapped it up when her colleagues complimented her innovative ideas.
  • The actor lapped up the adoration from his fans; he's really living the dream.

Examples of "Lap It Up" in Pop Culture

The idiom "lap it up" has found its way into various elements of pop culture, symbolizing eager enjoyment or acceptance.

Here are a few instances where this phrase has been used:

  • In the movie "The Praise Seeker," a character is seen to "lap it up" every time he is complimented.
  • The phrase is used in the TV show "Attention Grabbers" to depict characters who crave and enjoy attention.
  • The book "Eager Beavers" references characters who "lap it up" when they find themselves in favorable situations.
  • In the song "Praise and Glory," the lyrics include the phrase "lap it up" to describe the joy and acceptance of praise and glory.
  • A stand-up comedy special, "Laugh Seekers," features a segment where the comedian talks about people who "lap it up" at the slightest praise.

These examples illustrate how the idiom has been incorporated into various forms of media to represent the eager acceptance or enjoyment of praise or favorable situations.

Synonyms: Other/Different Ways to Say "Lap It Up"

There are several expressions and sayings that convey similar meanings to "lap it up," often used to describe someone who is eagerly accepting or enjoying praise, attention, or a particular situation.

Here are a few alternatives:

  • Soak up the praise
  • Bask in the glory
  • Relish the attention
  • Savor the moment
  • Revel in the acclaim

These expressions, like "lap it up," are often used to illustrate the enjoyment or acceptance of positive situations, attention, or praise.

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "Lap It Up":

  • What does the idiom "lap it up" mean?

It refers to someone eagerly accepting or enjoying praise, attention, or a particular situation, much like a cat or dog eagerly laps up milk or water.

  • Where did the idiom "lap it up" originate?

It likely originated from the observable behavior of pets like cats and dogs, who lap up liquids such as milk or water with eagerness and enjoyment.

  • Is "lap it up" used in a positive or negative context?

It can be used in both positive and negative contexts, either to signify genuine enjoyment or to imply that someone is being overly indulgent.

  • Can "lap it up" be used in formal writing?

While it is more commonly used in informal conversation, it can be used in formal writing if it suits the context and tone of the piece.

  • Is "lap it up" understood internationally?

It may be understood in various English-speaking regions, but its recognition can vary, and it might not be as commonly used or understood in non-English-speaking countries.

  • Are there synonyms for "lap it up"?

Yes, expressions like "soak up the praise" or "bask in the glory" convey similar sentiments of enjoying or accepting praise or favorable situations.

  • Can "lap it up" be used to describe situations other than receiving praise?

Yes, while it is often associated with enjoying praise or attention, it can also be used more broadly to describe someone who is eagerly enjoying any favorable situation or experience.

  • Do younger generations use the idiom "lap it up"?

Yes, it is used by people of all ages to describe eager enjoyment or acceptance of praise, attention, or favorable situations.

  • How can one respond when someone uses the idiom "lap it up"?

Responses can vary based on context and the relationship between the speakers. A playful or humorous response is often appropriate, but in some cases, a more serious or empathetic response may be suitable.

  • Is the use of the idiom "lap it up" declining?

It’s hard to quantify, but as language evolves, the usage of some idioms may decline while new ones emerge. However, "lap it up" remains a recognizable and relevant way to describe eager enjoyment or acceptance.

Final Thoughts About "Lap It Up"

"Lap it up" is a vivid and expressive idiom in the English language, often used to convey eager enjoyment or acceptance of praise, attention, or favorable situations.

  • It likely originated from the behavior of pets like cats and dogs lapping up liquids with eagerness and enjoyment.
  • The idiom can be used in positive and negative contexts to signify genuine enjoyment, overindulgence, or reveling in admiration or approval.
  • While more common in informal conversation, it can be used in formal writing if it suits the context and tone of the piece.
  • Expressions like "soak up the praise" and "bask in the glory" are synonymous and convey similar sentiments.

In conclusion, "lap it up" remains a relevant and versatile idiom, allowing speakers to express a range of emotions and attitudes about enjoying or accepting positive situations, attention, or praise.

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