Pronunciation: [pˈɒps ˈʌp] (IPA) 
The phrase "pops up" is spelled with the letter "o" pronounced as /ɒ/. The sound /ɒ/ is known as the "short o" sound and is commonly found in words such as "not" and "hot". The letter "s" is pronounced as /s/ and the letter "u" is pronounced as /ʌ/. The word "pop" is spelled with the same letters and sounds except for the final letter "s". Therefore, "pops up" is simply the present tense of "pop up".
The phrase "pops up" is an idiomatic expression that primarily refers to the sudden and unexpected appearance of something, often in a conspicuous or noticeable manner. It signifies the action of something or someone emerging or coming into view unexpectedly and quickly, catching others by surprise. This term is widely used colloquially to describe a variety of situations, typically in a figurative sense.
In a literal sense, "pops up" can describe an object or person rising or appearing suddenly from below or behind another object or surface. For instance, a jack-in-the-box toy "pops up" when the lid is opened, revealing the toy inside. Similarly, a surprise visitor can "pop up" by unanticipatedly arriving or appearing at someone's doorstep or at an event without prior notification.
Moreover, "pops up" is often used metaphorically to describe the sudden manifestation or occurrence of ideas, questions, memories, or events. For example, a thought may "pop up" in one's mind unexpectedly, or a problem might "pop up" in the middle of a task without prior warning, demanding attention and resolution. This phrase can also connote the sporadic presentation of advertisements, notifications, or messages that appear abruptly on computer screens or mobile devices while using various applications or browsing websites, typically aiming to captivate the user's attention.
Overall, the term "pops up" conveys the notion of something suddenly and unexpectedly emerging or materializing, creating an element of surprise and intrigue.
The phrase "pops up" is derived from the verb "pop" in combination with the preposition "up". "Pop", in this context, originates from the early 14th century, derived from Middle English "poppen" or "poppin", which meant "to make a quick, light, explosive sound". It is imitative in nature, reflecting the sound it describes.
The use of "pop" to indicate something happening suddenly or unexpectedly dates back to the late 15th century. "Pop up" emerged later, in the mid-19th century, indicating the action of something appearing or occurring abruptly and without warning, as if it were literally "popping up" or quickly emerging.
Over time, "pops up" has become a phrasal verb denoting unexpected appearances, rapid occurrences, or spontaneous actions.
