Pronunciation: [tˈaŋk ˈʌp] (IPA) 
The two words "tank" and "up" together form the colloquial phrase "tank up" meaning to fill a vehicle with fuel. The spelling of "tank up" is fairly straightforward, with "tank" being pronounced as /tæŋk/ with a hard ‘a’ sound, and "up" as /ʌp/ with a short ‘u’ sound. The phrase is commonly used in the UK and some parts of the US, and is generally regarded as informal or slang. Be sure to tank up before beginning your road trip!
Tank up is a phrasal verb that refers to the act of refueling a vehicle, typically an automobile or motorcycle, by filling its fuel tank. It is primarily used in informal and colloquial contexts.
The term "tank up" is derived from the noun "tank," which refers to the container that holds the fuel in a vehicle. "Up" is an adverbial particle that indicates completion or intensification of an action. Therefore, when someone says they are going to "tank up," it means they are going to completely or sufficiently fill the fuel tank of their vehicle.
The expression can also be used metaphorically to refer to the act of consuming large amounts of a beverage, particularly alcoholic drinks. In this context, "tank up" implies drinking excessively until one's tank, or stomach, is full. It conveys the idea of consuming a significant quantity of liquid, often with the purpose of becoming intoxicated.
Overall, "tank up" is a versatile phrasal verb that can be used to describe the act of refueling a vehicle or indulging in excessive consumption of beverages. Its primary meaning revolves around the concept of filling up a tank, whether with fuel or other substances, emphasizing completion or intensification of the action.
The etymology of the phrase "tank up" can be traced back to the early 20th century. The term "tank" originally referred to a container or reservoir for holding liquid, often associated with water or fuel. It derives from the late Latin word "tancus", meaning a container or cask.
In the context of vehicles, "tank" specifically referred to a large, armored military vehicle designed for combat operations, introduced during World War I. These tanks were powered by engines that required fuel for operation.
The phrase "tank up" emerged as a colloquial expression in the early 1900s, particularly in the United States. It originally meant to fill a vehicle's fuel tank to its maximum capacity, ensuring it was fully ready for use. Over time, the term gained broader usage and came to signify refueling any type of vehicle or oneself with a beverage, mainly alcohol.
