The compound verb "turned up" has two syllables and the IPA phonetic transcription is /tɜːrn/ and /ʌp/. The first syllable /tɜːrn/ is spelled with a "u" but pronounced with a "er" sound that is represented by "e". The second syllable /ʌp/ is spelled with a "u" but pronounced with a short "uh" sound that is represented by "u". Together, the spelling of "turned up" is consistent with the English language's unpredictable nature where the same letters may have different sounds.
"Turned up" is a phrasal verb that can be used in various contexts and can have different meanings depending on the situation. In general terms, "turned up" refers to the act of appearing, being discovered, or being found unexpectedly or suddenly.
One common usage of the term is when something that was missing or misplaced is found. For example, if a lost item is located or discovered unexpectedly, it can be said to have "turned up." Similarly, when a person who was missing or absent is unexpectedly found or appears, they can be described as having "turned up."
Another usage of "turned up" is when an event or situation occurs unexpectedly or suddenly. For instance, if an opportunity or chance arises unexpectedly or if an unexpected twist or turn happens in a story or plot, it can be described as having "turned up."
Furthermore, "turned up" can also mean to increase in intensity or volume. For instance, if the volume of a sound is raised or increased suddenly, it can be said to have "turned up."
Overall, "turned up" is a versatile term that is used to describe the unexpected appearance, discovery, increase, or intensification of something in various domains such as finding lost items, discovering missing people, unexpected events, and changes in volume or intensity.
The phrase "turned up" has evolved from the Old English term "tyrnan", which means "to turn". Over time, it developed different meanings and applications. In the context of clothing, "turned up" refers to the action of folding or rolling up a garment, especially the cuffs of shirts or trousers. This sense of the phrase started becoming prevalent in the late 18th century. The figurative usage, meaning to appear or to show up unexpectedly, dates back to at least the early 19th century. Overall, the etymology of "turned up" stems from the Old English word for turning or twisting.