Phrasal verb
pork up
Definition
phrasal verb. to gain weight or get fat, usually by eating too much. You use this when talking about yourself in a casual way—maybe after eating too much pizza.
phrasal verb. to increase in body weight, typically through overeating. This phrasal verb is intransitive and carries an informal, sometimes pejorative register.
Examples
“I always pork up a bit during the winter holidays.”
“After he stopped going to the gym and started eating takeout every night, he began to pork up quite quickly.”
“The sedentary nature of the new desk job caused him to pork up, a physical transformation that necessitated an entirely new wardrobe within six months.”
Examples
simple
“I always pork up a bit during the winter holidays.”
contextual
“After he stopped going to the gym and started eating takeout every night, he began to pork up quite quickly.”
complex
“The sedentary nature of the new desk job caused him to pork up, a physical transformation that necessitated an entirely new wardrobe within six months.”
Usage
This is an informal expression and can be rude if you use it to describe someone else.
Teaching tip
Contrast with 'put on weight' (neutral) or 'gain weight' (formal); highlight that 'pork up' is often used self-deprecatingly to avoid offending others.
Pitfall
He porked up his body.
He porked up.
The verb is intransitive and does not take a direct object.
Phrasal verb
Particles
up
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
pork + up
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/pork-up