PICK UPON Meaning and
Definition
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Pick upon is a phrasal verb that can have multiple interpretations depending on the context.
The first definition of pick upon refers to noticing small faults or errors in someone's behavior, appearance, or actions and subsequently criticizing or teasing them about it. It can involve singling out someone and constantly pointing out their flaws, making them a target for mockery or ridicule. This usage commonly implies a negative connotation, as it tends to create a sense of discomfort or distress for the individual being picked upon.
The second definition of pick upon denotes selecting, choosing, or identifying someone or something specifically from a group or collection. It suggests a deliberate act of singling out an individual or object due to certain characteristics or qualities, often to focus on it or give it particular attention. This usage can be neutral or positive, conveying the idea of directing attention towards someone or something for a specific purpose or reason.
In both cases, picking upon implies a form of selectivity or targeting individuals or objects for different purposes, but the context and intent may significantly influence the implications of this phrasal verb.
Common Misspellings for PICK UPON
- pickup on
- oick upon
- lick upon
- -ick upon
- 0ick upon
- puck upon
- pjck upon
- pkck upon
- pock upon
- p9ck upon
- p8ck upon
- pixk upon
- pivk upon
- pifk upon
- pidk upon
- picj upon
- picm upon
- picl upon
- pico upon
- pici upon
Etymology of PICK UPON
"Pick upon" is not a standalone word, but rather a combination of two separate words: "pick" and "upon".
The word "pick" has its origins in the Old English word "pician", which meant "to prick" or "to pierce". Over time, it evolved to also mean "to choose" or "to select". "Pick" can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "pikōną" and is related to Old High German "pickan" and Old Norse "pikka".
The word "upon" comes from the Middle English "upon", which further derived from the Old English preposition "uppān", meaning "on" or "upon". This word ultimately has Germanic origins and is related to words such as Dutch "op" and German "auf".
