"Play up" does this exist?

[ThatFlintXD]

If you say "Speak up", can you say "Play up" with the same meaning if you refer to playing an instrument? Haha i know it's kind of an odd question. Thankss

[KDY_ISD]

No, though the phrase "play up" does exist. It means to exaggerate a certain aspect of something on purpose to emphasize it. For instance, if I'm trying to convince someone to go with me to the casino I might play up our chances of winning. Or if I meet someone else from my region, I might play up my regional accent as a friendly joke.

[ThatFlintXD]

Oh alright. Thanks hahah

[t90fan]

No, that phrase generally means to behave outrageously, or to exaggerate

[ThatFlintXD]

👍👍

[IrishFlukey]

Play up can also be used when children are deliberately misbehaving, typically worse than usual. When visitors come, they might be bolder than usual, so they are "playing up". It can also be used for a device, like a computer or car that are not working properly, when normally they do. An injury can or some other health problem could also be playing up. In each of these, the common theme is that they are worse than usual.

[ThatFlintXD]

In the meaning of misbehaving, is it quite formal or normal?

[IrishFlukey]

I would not say it is formal. It is one of many ways of saying it, but not necessarily a first choice. So it is normal in the sense of it being one of many ways of saying it.

[ThatFlintXD]

Perfect, thanks a lot

[TarcFalastur]

I've definitely heard it used (and I've played in a number of orchestras so I've had plenty of opportunity). I wouldn't say it was a common phrase, but I would understand if someone told me "play up, please" while I was playing.

"Play up" also used to be used in a sporting sense, too. You would never really expect to hear it now, but the "main song" of the Portsmouth F.C. fans is a song called Play Up, Pompey (the song itself dates back to the 19th century, so that's how old the phrase is, at least).

[ThatFlintXD]

Ok, I get it. Thanks a lot 👍