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pump

What does pump mean?

A sharp upward move in price, whether organic or engineered. 'Pumping' describes a coin climbing fast.

"The coin pumped 40% in an hour on the listing news."

Origin

Bodybuilding term popularized hugely by Arnold Schwarzenegger, who in the 1977 film Pumping Iron famously compared 'the pump' to other pleasures. It's been core gym vocabulary ever since.

Frequently asked questions

What does pump mean in the gym?
A pump is the temporary swollen, tight feeling a muscle gets when blood floods into it during a workout, making it look bigger for a while.
Is the pump permanent?
No. A pump fades within an hour or so after training. It's a temporary effect, not actual muscle growth.
Who made 'the pump' famous?
Arnold Schwarzenegger popularized it in the 1977 documentary Pumping Iron with his memorable description of how good the pump feels.
What is a 'pump chaser'?
A pump chaser is someone who trains mainly for that swollen feeling and look, often doing high reps, rather than focusing on heavy strength.
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Slang definitions: FreeDict original editorial.