The correct spelling of the verb form of "tare up," meaning to tear into small pieces, is actually "tear up." It is pronounced /tɛr/ and the "a" in "tare up" is actually a misspelling. The correct spelling of "tare" refers to the weight of a container when empty, which can be subtracted from the total weight to determine the weight of its contents. It is pronounced /tɛər/. It's important to pay attention to the spelling of similar sounding words to ensure clear communication.
The phrase "tare up" is an informal expression commonly used in American English. It is a variation of the verb "tear up," which implies the act of tearing or ripping something apart or into pieces. When someone says that they will "tare up" an object, it means they will damage or destroy it intentionally or unintentionally. It can also refer to dismantling or disassembling an item, rendering it unusable or non-functional.
The phrase can be applied both literally and figuratively. In a literal sense, it may describe physically tearing apart something like a document, a piece of fabric, or any material item. Figuratively, "tare up" can refer to someone causing emotional distress or agitation to another person, disrupting their peace of mind or relationships.
The connotation of "tare up" is often associated with forceful or aggressive action, such as forcefully tearing a paper document or destructively dismantling an object. However, it can also be used humorously or dramatically to describe an exaggerated or extreme act of breaking or damaging something with great intensity. The phrase is colloquial and is typically used in everyday conversation rather than formal writing.
The phrase "tare up" is derived from the word "tare", which has its origins in Middle English. The word "tare" initially referred to a deduction made from the weight of a container to determine the net weight of the goods it held. It stems from the Old French word "tare", meaning "defect" or "weight of packaging".
Over time, the term "tare" also came to be associated with damaging, tearing, or ruining something. Thus, "tare up" emerged as an informal colloquial expression meaning to tear, shred, or ruin something. It is often used to describe the act of forcefully ripping or tearing apart an object, such as paper, fabric, or other materials.