How Do You Spell PONY UP?

Pronunciation: [pˈə͡ʊni ˈʌp] (IPA)

The phrase "pony up" means to pay or contribute money. It is spelled with the letters P-O-N-Y U-P. The phonetic transcription of the word is /ˈpoʊni ʌp/. The first sound is a stressed "oh" sound, followed by an "n" sound, and then an "ee" vowel sound. The second word begins with an "uh" sound, followed by a "p" and ends with an unvoiced "p" sound. While this phrase has been in use for over two centuries, it is still commonly used today.

PONY UP Meaning and Definition

  1. The term "pony up" is an informal, phrasal verb that has its origins in American English. It is mainly used in colloquial language and informal conversations. The phrase is typically used to express the action of someone contributing money, usually reluctantly or begrudgingly, to pay for something or settle a debt. Its meaning can extend to other types of contributions as well, such as time, effort, or resources.

    "Pony up" implies a sense of urgency or demand for someone to fulfill their financial obligation. The phrase carries an undertone of insistence or pressure, suggesting that the person needs to comply promptly and willingly. It suggests a certain level of reluctance on the part of the contributor, indicating that they may be reluctant to part with their money or resources.

    This idiom is commonly applied in various contexts, including informal settings, business negotiations, or informal requests among friends. For example, if a group of friends decides to split a bill, and one person refuses or hesitates to contribute their share, the others might say, "Come on, pony up, it's your turn!"

    In a nutshell, "pony up" is an informal expression used to describe the act of providing money, resources, or contributions, often under pressure or reluctantly, to fulfill a financial obligation or contribute to a shared expense.

Common Misspellings for PONY UP

  • oony up
  • lony up
  • -ony up
  • 0ony up
  • piny up
  • pkny up
  • plny up
  • ppny up
  • p0ny up
  • p9ny up
  • poby up
  • pomy up
  • pojy up
  • pohy up
  • pong up
  • ponh up
  • ponu up
  • pon7 up
  • pon6 up

Etymology of PONY UP

The phrase "pony up" has its roots in 19th-century American slang. The word "pony" originally referred to a small sum of money or a small amount of something. This usage likely stemmed from the British slang term "pony", which meant £25. Over time, "pony" in American slang came to mean a lesser amount, typically $25 or less.

The addition of "up" to "pony" likely emphasizes the act of contributing or paying. "Ponying up" means to pay or contribute one's part, often in response to a demand or expectation. The phrase might have originated in gambling establishments, where players were often required to contribute money upfront or ante up before participating in a game.

"Pony up" has since evolved beyond its original monetary connotation to mean any kind of payment or contribution, figuratively or literally.

Idioms with the word PONY UP

  • pony up (sth) The idiom "pony up" means to contribute or provide something, especially money, often used in a demanding or insisting manner. It can also imply meeting an obligation or fulfilling a responsibility by providing what is required.

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