Pronunciation: [bˈʌlkt ˈʌp] (IPA) 
The spelling of the phrase "bulked up" is straightforward. The first syllable is pronounced as /bʌlk/ and is spelled as it sounds. The second syllable, which is pronounced as /t ʌp/, is spelled with a "t" followed by a "u" and then a "p" at the end. This phrase is commonly used in the fitness industry, meaning to gain muscle mass and increase body size through strength training and eating a high-calorie diet.
"Bulked up" is an idiomatic expression in English language, often used informally, that refers to an increase in physical size, particularly regarding muscle mass or body weight. When someone says they have "bulk up," it means they have engaged in activities, such as weightlifting or consuming a high-calorie diet, in order to increase their muscle mass and overall size, resulting in a fuller and more robust appearance.
The expression "bulked up" is commonly used in fitness or sports contexts to describe the intentional process of gaining muscle mass, usually through a combination of strength training exercises and consuming a surplus of calories to support muscle growth. People often "bulk up" for various reasons, including improving athletic performance, physique development, or personal satisfaction in achieving a more muscular physique.
The term can also extend beyond physical appearance, representing a general increase in size, volume, or quantity. For example, it can be used to describe an individual who has gained weight or size in a non-muscular sense, such as when referring to someone who has put on excess body weight or expanded their overall physique through an increase in body fat.
Overall, "bulked up" portrays the notion of deliberate, purposeful efforts aimed at increasing physical size, commonly understood to be through muscle mass or body weight gain, resulting in a visibly larger and more substantial appearance.
The word "bulk" as a verb means to make something bigger or more substantial, often referring to physical size or volume. "Bulked up" is the past participle form of this verb, with the addition of the preposition "up".
The etymology of the word "bulk" can be traced back to Middle English, where it derived from the Old Norse word "bulki", meaning cargo or a ship's cargo hold. This Norse word had similar meanings in Old Swedish and Middle Low German as well.
Over time, the meaning of "bulk" expanded to include the idea of something being large or massive, leading to the verb form "bulk". The addition of "up" emphasizes the action of becoming larger, amplifying the sense of growth or development. Today, "bulked up" is commonly used to describe the act of increasing muscle mass or physical size, often through bodybuilding or weight training.
