General
stove up
What does stove up mean?
Physically stiff and sore, often from age, injury, or hard work.
"I'm all stove up after loading that hay."
Origin
From "stove," a past form of "stave"; the sense of being "beaten in" extended to bodily stiffness in Southern usage.
Frequently asked questions
What does "stove up" mean?
It means sore, stiff, and achy—physically worn down, often from age, injury, or hard labor.
How do you use "stove up"?
Use it to describe bodily stiffness, as in "I'm all stove up after loading that hay."
Where does "stove up" come from?
"Stove" is a past form of "stave"; the sense of being "beaten in" extended to bodily stiffness in Southern usage.
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