The idiom "choke up" means to become emotional or tearful. It is spelled with two separate words, "choke" and "up". "Choke" is pronounced /tʃoʊk/ and means to have difficulty breathing, while "up" is pronounced /ʌp/ and means at an elevated position. When combined as "choke up," the stress falls on the first word, so the full phrase is pronounced /tʃoʊk ʌp/. Knowing the IPA transcription can help you spell words correctly, making it easier to communicate with others effectively.
To "choke up" is a phrasal verb used to describe the act of becoming emotionally overwhelmed or unable to speak due to strong feelings such as sadness, nostalgia, or sentimentality. When a person chokes up, they experience a constriction in their throat and have difficulty producing a sound or continuing their speech due to intense emotions. This phrase is often used metaphorically and is associated with intense emotional states that hinder a person's ability to communicate effectively.
The term "choke up" originates from the physical reaction of the vocal cords contracting or tightening when a person is emotionally moved. It is typically used in situations where an individual is recounting a personal or heartfelt experience, witnessing a poignant event, expressing deep gratitude, or feeling sentimental. In these instances, a person may struggle to keep their voice steady, their words may be interrupted or halted, and they may even begin to shed tears.
The phrase "choke up" is often used interchangeably with other expressions such as "get emotional," "become choked with emotion," or "well up with tears." It signifies an emotional response that can manifest physically, hindering a person's ability to speak or express themselves fully. Overall, "choke up" represents a heightened emotional state that overwhelms one's ability to communicate fluidly.
The phrase "choke up" is derived from the verb "choke", which can be traced back to Middle English and Old English. The term "choke" originally meant to block or obstruct the passage of something, often relating to the throat, preventing the flow of air or liquid. Over time, "choke" also took on the metaphorical meaning of feeling or becoming emotionally overwhelmed, as if something were constricting or obstructing the emotions, similar to how physical choking affects breathing. "Choke up" specifically refers to a state where one becomes emotionally moved, causing a lump in the throat and difficulty speaking. So, the etymology of "choke up" is directly linked to the root meaning of "choke" and its extension into emotional experiences.