"Crossed up" is spelled phonetically as /krɔst ʌp/. The word is a colloquialism that means feeling confused or frustrated due to a change of plans. The first element of the word, "cross," refers to a state of opposition or contradiction. The second element, "up," denotes a lift, rise or disruption. Together, "crossed up" signifies the feeling of being thrown off kilter or misled. Native English speakers use this term to convey a sense of distress or disorientation when events do not unfold as expected.
"Crossed up" is an idiomatic phrasal verb that has multiple meanings depending on the context in which it is used. It generally denotes a state of confusion, miscommunication, or being misled, often leading to an unexpected outcome or result. In interpersonal relationships, being "crossed up" refers to feeling deceived, betrayed, or tricked by someone, causing a breakdown in trust or mutual understanding.
In sports, particularly in baseball and basketball, "crossed up" describes a situation where a player misunderstands or misreads the intentions or actions of a teammate, resulting in a mistake or error. For instance, in baseball, a pitcher and catcher can become "crossed up" if they fail to synchronize their signals, causing the pitcher to throw the wrong type of pitch or location, thereby advantaging the opposing team.
Outside of these contexts, "crossed up" can also describe a state of being physically or mentally disoriented. It may indicate feeling confused, perplexed, or mentally overwhelmed by complex or conflicting information. Similarly, it can refer to being emotionally or mentally conflicted, torn between different desires or obligations, thereby leading to indecision or hesitation in taking action.
Overall, "crossed up" captures the essence of confusion, misunderstanding, or conflict, suggesting a departure from the intended course of action or a disruption in the expected order of events.
The term "crossed up" is thought to have originated in African American Vernacular English (AAVE) during the early 20th century. Its etymology can be understood by examining the meanings of its individual components.
The word "crossed" in this context refers to someone being deceived, fooled, or misled. It can be traced back to the idea of someone being figuratively crossed over, as in crossing paths or contradicting expectations. It is likely influenced by the use of "cross" to refer to a deception or betrayal in various languages and idiomatic expressions.
The term "up" is commonly used in AAVE and other dialects to indicate a state of confusion, disarray, or disorder. It can convey a sense of being mentally or emotionally disturbed. It is often used to describe situations in which someone's plans or expectations are disrupted.