"Rigs up" is a common phrase in English that refers to the act of assembling or putting something together. The spelling, /rɪɡz ʌp/, can be deciphered through its International Phonetic Alphabet representation. The first syllable, "rig," is pronounced with a short "i" sound as in "sit." The second syllable, "up," is pronounced with the schwa sound, or the unstressed "uh" sound. Together, the two syllables create a quick and easy-to-say phrase that is commonly used in everyday conversations.
Rigs up, as a phrasal verb, refers to the act of assembling or constructing something quickly and often in an improvised or makeshift manner. It is commonly used in informal contexts and represents a quick solution or temporary arrangement for a particular purpose.
When one rigs up something, they typically gather whatever materials or tools they can find and put them together in a hasty manner to achieve a desired outcome. This could involve creating a simple device or system that serves a specific function, often using available resources. Rigging up is usually done when there is a need for a quick fix or when one doesn't have access to the proper equipment or resources.
For example, if someone's car breaks down and they don't have access to a tow truck, they might rig up a makeshift tow using ropes or chains and another vehicle. Similarly, if a person wants to hang up some lights in their backyard but doesn't have proper fixtures, they might rig up a system using string and tape to securely hang the lights.
Overall, rigging up implies a temporary solution that is put together quickly and often with unconventional methods or materials. It denotes a level of resourcefulness and creativity in finding a practical solution with limited resources.
The phrase "rigs up" is composed of two primary components: "rig" and "up". Here are their respective etymologies:
- Rig: The word "rig" originated from the Middle English term "riggen", which meant "to furnish with gear". It further traces back to the Old Norse word "rǫggva", meaning "to fit out a ship". This Old Norse root has also influenced related words like "rigger" and "rigging", which refer to the equipment and ropes used to support a ship's masts and sails.
- Up: The word "up" comes from Old English, where it was spelled as "uppe". It refers to a direction describing a higher location, a rise, or an elevation. Its etymology can be traced back to the Germanic language family, and it has remained relatively unchanged in meaning and form over time.