The phrase "hiked up" is commonly used to describe pants or a skirt being pulled up higher on the waist. The spelling of "hiked" is pronounced /haɪkt/ in IPA phonetic transcription, with the initial "h" sound followed by the diphthong "ai" and the voiceless "k" sound. The "e" at the end of "hiked" is silent, as is the "e" at the end of "up." Together, these words form a two-syllable phrase that is easy to spell and commonly used in everyday conversation.
"Hiked up" is a phrasal verb that can be used in different contexts to describe two distinct meanings.
The first meaning of "hiked up" refers to raising or lifting something, typically by pulling it upwards. This term is commonly employed to describe pulling up one’s clothing or a garment to a higher position. For instance, if someone hikes up their pants, they are pulling them upwards, often to avoid getting them dirty or wet. Similarly, a person can hike up their skirt or dress to make it shorter or to adjust its position on their body.
The second meaning of "hiked up" pertains to an increase in prices or costs. In this sense, it indicates a significant or sudden rise in the value or rate of something. This usage is commonly found in financial or business contexts. For example, if the price of a particular commodity, such as oil or gasoline, is hiked up, it means that the price has suddenly and notably escalated. This term can also refer to increasing fees, fares, or charges for services or products. For instance, a company may hike up its membership fees or a concert venue might hike up ticket prices for a highly anticipated event.
In summary, "hiked up" primarily denotes the action of raising or lifting something and can also refer to a notable increase in prices or costs.
The word "hiked up" is a combination of the verb "hike" and the adverb "up".
The verb "hike" originated in the United States in the early 1800s, derived from the dialectal word "hitch" meaning "to move or pull up abruptly". The term was first used to describe a sudden pull or jerk movement, as in hiking up one's trousers or hiking up a load. Over time, it came to be associated with various outdoor activities, especially walking or climbing in nature, and the term "hiking" emerged.
When the adverb "up" is added to "hike", it serves to emphasize the upward movement or increase of something. So, "hiked up" generally means to raise or increase something, often quickly or abruptly, such as pulling up pants, raising prices, or increasing levels.