Differences between bulk up and cut up

Bulk up means to gain muscle mass and increase body size, while cut up means to reduce body fat and reveal muscle definition.

Meanings and Definitions: bulk up vs cut up

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Bulk up

1Gain weight, develop bigger muscles.
He's BULKED UP a lot since he got those steroids.

Cut up

1Cut into smaller pieces.
After cutting the tree down, the logger CUT it UP into logs.
2Drive into a neighbouring lane, directly in front of another vehicle.
I was just driving onto the motorway sliproad, when a red Mini CUT me UP and I had to brake suddenly to avoid an accident.
3Upset.
Her reaction really CUT me UP.
4Have a lot of small injuries.
I CUT my hand UP when I broke the glass.

Usage Examples: bulk up, cut up in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

bulk up

Example

He wants to bulk up before the bodybuilding competition.

Example

She bulks up by lifting weights and eating a high-protein diet.

cut up

Example

She cut up the vegetables for the salad.

Example

He cuts up the fruit for the fruit salad.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Bulk up

build muscle

To increase muscle mass and strength through weightlifting and resistance training.

Example

He started to build muscle by lifting weights and eating a high-protein diet.

put on size

To increase body mass and volume through weight gain and muscle growth.

Example

He wanted to put on size for the upcoming bodybuilding competition, so he increased his calorie intake and trained harder.

bulk out

To expand or fill out a body part or muscle group through exercise and nutrition.

Example

She was determined to bulk out her biceps and triceps, so she followed a strict workout routine and ate plenty of protein.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Cut up

get ripped

To achieve a highly defined and muscular physique through intense exercise and low body fat.

Example

He worked hard to get ripped for the bodybuilding competition, following a strict diet and exercise regimen.

shred fat

To burn excess body fat and reveal muscle definition through cardio and strength training.

Example

She wanted to shred fat and tone her abs, so she did high-intensity interval training and reduced her calorie intake.

lean out

To reduce body fat and achieve a leaner physique through diet and exercise.

Example

He decided to lean out for the summer, cutting out processed foods and doing more cardio workouts.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “bulk”

bulk out

Phrasal Verbs with “cut”

Phrasal Verbs with “up”

Differences in bulk up vs cut up: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: bulk up or cut up?

Both phrases are commonly used in the fitness industry, but bulk up is more popular among bodybuilders and weightlifters who aim to increase their muscle mass. On the other hand, cut up is more common among people who want to lose weight and tone their muscles.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of bulk up and cut up

Both bulk up and cut up are informal phrases used in casual conversations about fitness and exercise. They are not suitable for formal or academic contexts. In such settings, using alternative expressions can convey a more professional tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of bulk up and cut up

The tone of bulk up and cut up can differ based on context. Bulk up often carries a confident and assertive tone when related to building muscle mass and strength, while cut up typically has a disciplined and focused tone, especially when referring to losing weight and achieving a lean physique.

bulk up & cut up: Synonyms and Antonyms

Bulk up

Synonyms

gain weight
develop muscles
build muscle
increase muscle mass
grow bigger
get stronger

Antonyms

lose weight
slim down
shed pounds
decrease muscle mass
get smaller
get weaker

Cut up

Synonyms

Antonyms