Pronunciation: [kˈiːɪdˌʌp] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "keyedup" might seem unusual at first glance, but it is a combination of two separate words - "keyed" and "up." The IPA phonetic transcription of each word helps to explain the spelling: the "e" in "keyed" is pronounced as the "ee" sound /iː/, while the "u" in "up" is pronounced as the "uh" sound /ʌ/. The two words are combined without a space or hyphen, resulting in the unique spelling of "keyedup."
Keyed up is an idiomatic expression used to describe a state of extreme nervousness, excitement, or agitation. It refers to a heightened level of emotional or mental arousal that can manifest in various ways.
When someone is keyed up, they are typically anxious or tense due to anticipation, stress, fear, or anticipation for a certain event or situation. This state of fervor can make individuals feel restless, fidgety, or overwhelmed. They may experience increased heart rate, shallow breathing, or even trembling. People who are keyed up can also have difficulty concentrating, as their mind may be consumed by their emotions.
The term "keyed up" is often associated with a positive connotation, indicating an anticipation or excitement regarding something enjoyable, such as a special occasion, a big event, or an upcoming trip. For instance, an individual might say they are keyed up before the start of an important game, an exam, or a first date. However, it can also refer to negative emotions, reflecting nervousness or unease before a challenging task, a confrontation, or a public speaking engagement.
Overall, being keyed up represents an intense emotional state, often characterized by high levels of anxiety or excitement. The term captures the idea of being mentally and emotionally on edge, like a tightly wound key ready to spring into action or release.
The word "keyed up" is a phrase rather than a single word, but it can be analyzed for etymology. This expression originated in America around the early 20th century and it refers to a state of nervousness, excitement, or intense anticipation. The term "keyed" here is used metaphorically, relating to a piano or other keyboard instruments.
The phrase "keyed up" draws an analogy to the high tension and readiness of a piano key being pressed down. When a piano key is "keyed up", it is prepared for a strong response. This analogy is commonly associated with the way in which a person is mentally or emotionally stimulated, feeling highly alert or on edge.
So, in terms of etymology, "keyed up" emerged from the metaphorical usage of "keyed" and its association with the tension of piano keys.
