Acting up

Posted by Lewis on December 17, 2004

In Reply to: Play up! posted by Henry on December 17, 2004

: : : : What is the origin of 'up' as a shout of support or encouragement? I remember shouting 'Up Cork' as a sign of support for the Cork teams in hurling or football when I was young. Is this a phrase used only in Ireland or is it still in common usage anywhere else?
: : : : Why 'up?'
: : : : I haven't heard it used much here in the US except as a toast in some Irish pubs.

: : : 'Up' a team could simply be from league matches in which the team strive to be at the top of the table.
: : : 'Onwards!' would be better suited to cup competitions - as in 'on towards the final!'

: : : Portsmouth aka 'Pompey' have a chant 'play up Pompey, Pompey play up' to the tune made by a carillon of bells.

: : : L

: : And supporters of the County Down football team really do shout 'Up Down!'

: Play up! Play up! And play the game!
: By Sir Henry Newbolt

: There's a breathless hush in the close to-night
: Ten to make and the match to win
: A bumping pitch and a blinding light,
: An hour to play, and the last man in.
: And it's not for the sake of a ribboned coat.
: Or the selfish hope of a season's fame,
: But his captain's hand on his shoulder smote
: "Play up! Play up! And play the game!"

: 'Play up' has two senses, and brings echoes of the discussion here on 'act up'.

'Acting up' meaning to perform a role usually assigned to a senior post - to temporarily take on a senior post?