- Feeling very excited, enthusiastic, and energized about something.
Explanation
Origin
- Likely related to the idea of pumping up something, like a tire or muscles, making it full of energy or ready for action.
- Became popular in sports contexts (getting pumped up before a game) and spread to general usage for excitement.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Stoked (Surfer/skater culture origin, common)
- Gassed (UK slang, excited)
- Ready to roll
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- Fuckin' pumped / Pumped as fuck
- So damn excited
Milder:
- Really looking forward to it.
- Very enthusiastic.
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal.
- Generally fine in casual work environments among peers, but maybe too informal for presentations or formal meetings.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Could potentially be confused with literally pumping something (like weights or gas), but context usually makes the meaning clear.
Examples
- I'm so pumped for the concert tonight!
- He's really pumped about his promotion.
- Get pumped, the weekend starts now!
Dialogue
Chris: You ready for the game later?
Sam: Yeah, I'm totally pumped! Hope we win.
Chris: Me too! Let's go!
Social Media Examples
- Just booked my flight! So pumped for vacation! ✈️ #travel #excited
- Weekend vibes! Feeling pumped for some downtime. #fridayfeeling
Response Patterns
- Me too! / Yeah!
- Awesome! What are you pumped about?
- Nice! That sounds exciting.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
- If someone says they are pumped, you might ask why: Oh yeah? What's got you so excited?
- People often share the reason for their excitement immediately after: I'm pumped! I just got the tickets.
Conversation Starter
- Yes, often used to express personal excitement or to generate enthusiasm in others.
- Are you pumped for the trip?
Intonation
- High energy, emphasis on Pumped.
- Often said with an exclamation mark's worth of enthusiasm. PUMPED!
Generation Differences
- Very common among younger generations (teens to 40s) but widely understood.
Regional Variations
- Common in North American English.
- Understood but perhaps less common than excited or keen in British English.