pick-me-up

[pik-mee-uhp]

noun

Informal.

1. an alcoholic drink taken to restore one's energy or good spirits.

2. any restorative, as a snack or coffee.

pick-me-up

noun

1. informal,  a tonic or restorative, esp a special drink taken as a stimulant

Word History and Origins

Origin of pick-me-up¹

First recorded in 1865–70; noun use v. of phrase pick me up

Example Sentences

They’re more refreshing — and a great pick-me-up to help cope with Japan’s summer humidity.

From Salon

But the point isn’t to use them but to collect them, and perhaps look at the yellow, smiling, gap-toothed face of SpongeBob when you need a quick pick-me-up.

From Los Angeles Times

“It’s a pick-me-up,” said Alondra, 28, from Compton, before filing into the theater with other parents and caregivers for an afternoon rager with their kids.

From Los Angeles Times

Also, there’s no need to leave your drink behind or grab your coat if you want a quick nicotine pick-me-up when you’re at Simon Says.

From Los Angeles Times

Seeking some respite from the heat and a pick-me-up on the energy front, we made our way to the air-conditioned Sonora tent, which is essentially a rock club within Coachella.

From Los Angeles Times

When To Use

What does pick-me-up mean?

A pick-me-up is something that restores a person’s energy, improves their mood, or generally lifts their spirits, such as a caffeinated drink or a snack, as in I drink coffee every morning because I need a pick-me-up before work. Pick-me-ups can also involve intangible things that help boost your energy or mood, like receiving a compliment, taking a nap, taking a walk, or watching your favorite TV show after a hard day.The term can also specifically refer to an alcoholic drink that is drunk for the purpose of restoring one’s energy or spirit.The word pickup is sometimes used to mean the same thing as pick-me-up, but it is much less common.Example: I could really use a pick-me-up after the terrible morning I just had.