The word "upped em" may seem like an odd spelling but it is actually an informal way of saying "upped them". The phonetic transcription is /ʌpt ɛm/ with the stress on the first syllable of "upped". The -ed ending of "upped" is pronounced as /t/ because the preceding sound is voiceless (/p/). The word "em" is a colloquial form of "them" and is pronounced as /ɛm/ with a schwa sound in the first syllable. Overall, this word reflects the casual nature of spoken language.
"Upped em" is a slang term that originated in informal speech and is often found in certain dialects or communities. It is derived from the word "up" and is used as a colloquial expression to convey the action of raising or increasing the level, intensity, quality, or dominance of something or someone.
In specific contexts, such as sports or competitions, "upped em" is frequently used to describe a situation where a person or team has successfully elevated their performance or skills, surpassing their previous achievements or expectations. This can involve achieving a higher score, a better result, or demonstrating an improved ability that outshines their opponents. For example, in a basketball game, if a player consistently scores points despite facing tough challenges, their teammates might say, "He really upped em tonight," meaning that he exceeded their prior expectations or performed exceptionally well.
Furthermore, "upped em" can also be employed metaphorically to describe any situation where someone has outperformed others or gained an advantage over their competition in a noncompetitive scenario. This could refer to achieving academic success, job promotion, or personal accomplishments.
Overall, "upped em" is an idiom conveying the notion of surpassing or excelling beyond what was anticipated, making it a versatile expression used in various contexts where an individual or group demonstrably raises their game or level of performance.