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Phrasal verbs "chat up" vs "cough up"

Differences between chat up and cough up

Chat up means to talk to someone in a friendly and flirtatious way, usually with the intention of getting to know them better or showing romantic interest. Cough up means to pay money, often reluctantly or under pressure.

Meanings and Definitions: chat up vs cough up

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Chat up

  • 1Talk to someone you are sexually interested in to get them interested in you.

    He spent the whole night CHATTING her UP.

Cough up

  • 1Lose possession of a ball, etc. in a contact sport.

    He was checked so hard he COUGHED UP the puck in front of his own goal.

  • 2Expel something from your lungs or throat by coughing.

    He gave up smoking after he COUGHED UP some blood.

Usage Examples: chat up, cough up in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

chat up

Example

He tried to chat up the girl at the party.

Example

She chats up the guy she likes at the bar.

cough up

Example

He needs to cough up the phlegm to clear his throat.

Example

She coughs up mucus when she has a cold.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Chat up

flirt with

To show romantic interest in someone through playful or suggestive behavior.

Example

He was trying to flirt with her by complimenting her outfit and asking about her interests.

make small talk

To engage in light and casual conversation with someone, often to pass the time or get to know them better.

Example

She tried to make small talk with her new coworker during lunch break to break the ice.

strike up a conversation

To start a conversation with someone, often in a friendly or informal way.

Example

He struck up a conversation with the person next to him in line and they ended up becoming good friends.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Cough up

fork over

To give or pay money, often reluctantly or under pressure.

Example

He had to fork over $100 for the parking ticket he received last week.

pay up

To pay what is owed, often after being reminded or threatened.

Example

The landlord asked the tenant to pay up the rent that was due two weeks ago.

shell out

To spend or pay a large amount of money, often unexpectedly or unwillingly.

Example

She had to shell out $500 for the car repair that she didn't anticipate.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “up”

Differences in chat up vs cough up: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: chat up or cough up?

In daily conversation, people use chat up more often than cough up. This is because chat up is used in social situations where people want to make new friends or show romantic interest. Cough up is used less frequently and usually in situations where someone owes money or needs to pay for something.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of chat up and cough up

Chat up and cough up are both informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. However, cough up can also be used in more formal settings such as business negotiations or legal agreements.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of chat up and cough up

The tone of chat up and cough up can differ based on context. Chat up often carries a playful or flirty tone when used in social situations, while cough up typically has a more serious or even confrontational tone, especially when referring to paying money.

chat up & cough up: Synonyms and Antonyms

Cough up

Synonyms

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