Pronunciation: [sˈə͡ʊk ˈʌp] (IPA) 
The spelling of "soak up" is a combination of two common words: "soak" and "up". In IPA phonetic transcription, "soak" is /soʊk/, and "up" is /ʌp/. When combined, the "o" sound stays the same, and the "u" in "up" becomes an "ʌ" sound. This creates the pronunciation /soʊk ʌp/ for "soak up". The phrase means to absorb or take in, typically describing liquids being absorbed by a sponge or fabric.
Soak up is a phrasal verb that has several meanings, but they all revolve around the concept of absorbing or taking in something either literally or figuratively.
In its literal sense, soak up refers to the act of absorbing liquid or moisture. This can apply to a sponge that soaks up water or a cloth that soaks up spilled liquid. It implies the action of drawing in and retaining the substance being absorbed.
Figuratively, soak up can describe the process of acquiring knowledge, information, or experiences eagerly, enthusiastically, and deeply. This could be in the context of learning a new skill or studying a subject. It implies a keen and complete absorption of the information or experience, assimilating it thoroughly.
Soak up can also refer to absorbing or taking in emotions or atmosphere. For instance, one can soak up the joy and excitement of a celebration or soak up negativity in a toxic environment. It implies an immersion into the emotional or ambient surroundings.
Overall, soak up encompasses the idea of absorbing something physically, mentally, or emotionally. Whether it pertains to liquids, knowledge, experiences, or atmosphere, it implies the action of taking in and retaining what is being encountered, incorporating it into one's being or understanding.
The word "soak up" has a literal meaning of absorbing or taking in liquid, and it also has a metaphorical meaning of absorbing or understanding information or experiences.
The etymology of "soak up" can be traced back to the Old English word "sōcian", which meant "to soak", "to saturate", or "to drench". This word evolved from the Proto-Germanic word "saukaną" and the Proto-Indo-European root "seh₂u-" which meant "to draw water" or "to wet".
Over time, "soak up" came to be used figuratively to describe the process of absorbing knowledge or experiences. This figurative usage emerged in English around the 17th century. The image is that of someone absorbing knowledge or experiences in a similar way to how a sponge soaks up water.
