to blow up

Dictionary of American Words And Phrases by John Russell Bartlett.

To scold, to abuse, either in speaking or writing. A vulgar expression borrowed from sailor's language.


Oh ho! I see, it's a piece about the major's book. I suppose somebody's been blowin' him up, and he ain't used to it.--Maj. Jones's Courtship.

I thought I could stand a blowing up pretty well--I have had some experience in that way, as the old woman's tongue can testify.--Pickings from the Picayune, p. 121.

He was ravin' about the disputed territory, a blowin' up the governor of New Brunswick sky-high.--Sam Slick, 3d ser. chap. vii.

Related Words