To bang on someone’s door. Does not mean to impregnate.
Knock up
Example Sentences
"Don't Knock up about like that!"
"He's always trying to Knock up when he shouldn't."
Etymology & History
British meaning: wake someone by knocking. American meaning: make pregnant. This transatlantic difference causes confusion and humor. British usage from knocking on door to wake someone. Americans should avoid British usage to prevent misunderstanding.
Word Details
📍
Region
General British
📅
Era
Modern
✓
Language
Mild
💬
Formality
Informal
Categories:
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Anglotopia's Dictionary of British English 2nd Edition
British Slang from A to Zed
By Jonathan Thomas
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