General
tap up
What does tap up mean?
To approach someone to borrow money or ask a favour. Common Northern usage.
"He's always tapping me up for a fiver."
Origin
British slang; 'tap' (to draw off, as from a barrel) applied to cadging money.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'tap up' mean?
To approach someone to borrow money or ask a favour.
Where does 'tap up' come from?
From 'tap', to draw off liquid from a barrel, applied to cadging money.
How is 'tap up' used?
As in 'always tapping me up for a fiver', meaning repeatedly asking for money.
Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Vocabulary Flow — saved to your collection.
