Pronunciation: [lˈapt ˈʌp] (IPA) 
The word "lapped up" is spelled as /læpt ʌp/. The 'a' in 'lapped' is pronounced as /æ/ which represents the short 'a' sound as in 'cat'. The double 'p' and 'ed' at the end of 'lapped' indicate that the word is in the past tense. The 'up' is pronounced as /ʌp/ which represents the short 'u' sound as in 'cup'. "Lapped up" means to eagerly accept or believe something, just like how a dog would eagerly lap up water.
The phrase "lapped up" is an idiomatic expression referring to someone's enthusiastic and eagerly enjoyment or acceptance of something, often a piece of news, information, or praise. It derives from the literal action of a cat or dog lapping up water or milk with its tongue, suggesting that the person is figuratively consuming the offered content in a similar manner, with great delight.
When someone says they "lapped up" a certain story or compliment, it means they embraced it eagerly, internalized it, and enjoyed it to the fullest extent possible. The individual shows a high level of receptivity and willingness to believe or accept the given information or admiration. The phrase conveys a sense of excitement, satisfaction, and avid attention, highlighting the person's eagerness to receive and embrace the content.
"Lapped up" is commonly used to describe the act of fully enjoying and accepting positive or fascinating information, often without questioning its veracity or authenticity. It suggests that the individual is not only attentive but also highly receptive to the subject matter, demonstrating a strong desire for more of the content. Overall, "lapped up" captures the notion of a person enthusiastically engaging with and savoring the information, relishing every aspect of it.
The phrase "lapped up" is a figurative expression meaning to eagerly accept or enjoy something, often with great enthusiasm. The etymology of "lapped up" can be understood by examining the verb "lap" in this context.
The verb "lap" originally comes from Old English "læppa", which referred to the act of drinking or lapping up liquid. It has roots in Proto-Germanic and can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European base *lab-, meaning "to sip, lick, drool". Over time, the meaning of "lap" extended beyond drinking or licking to include the action of drawing in or taking up something with the tongue, as animals might do.
The phrase "lapped up" likely emerged as a metaphorical extension of this original sense, to indicate the enthusiastic consumption of something, similar to how an animal might eagerly lap up liquid.
