noun

send-up

SEND-up

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Send-up (noun) means a comic imitation of a person, programme or style that exaggerates its most recognisable features in order to make fun of it. Example: “The sketch was a gentle send-up of daytime property shows.”

noun

informal A comic imitation of a person, programme or style that exaggerates its most recognisable features in order to make fun of it.

"The sketch was a gentle send-up of daytime property shows."

"His impression is a loving send-up rather than an attack."

verb

informal As the phrasal verb send up: to make fun of somebody or something by imitating them comically.

"They send up the whole wellness industry in the opening number."

"She sent up her own accent before anyone else could."

How to use send-up

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA funny imitation that pokes fun at something.

When to use it

Informal and chiefly British. The tone is usually affectionate — a send-up teases rather than wounds.

Memory tip

Hyphenate the noun (a send-up) but keep the verb as two words (to send up). In American slang, send up can also mean to send someone to prison, so context matters.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

send up (American: to send to prison) spoof → parody →

Common pairings

a gentle send-up an affectionate send-up send up the genre a send-up of

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The sketch was a gentle _____ of daytime property shows.

Etymology

A noun formed from the phrasal verb send up, in the sense 'to hold up to ridicule'.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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spoof parody take-off skit lampoon pastiche mock take off

Related words

leave land remove joke jump don fake cartoon

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a send-up and a parody?

They overlap almost completely, but send-up is informal, British and usually warmer in tone, while parody is the neutral technical term and can be scholarly or hostile. A send-up teases; a parody merely imitates.

Does send-up mean the same thing in American English?

The comic sense is understood everywhere, but Americans are more likely to say spoof or take-off. In the United States, to send someone up can also mean to send them to prison, as in 'sent up for ten years'.

What is the meaning of send-up?

"send-up" (noun) means a comic imitation of a person, programme or style that exaggerates its most recognisable features in order to make fun of it.

What is another word for send-up?

Other words for "send-up" include spoof, parody, take-off, skit, lampoon, pastiche.

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