- To invent something, such as a story, excuse, poem, or plan.
- Can also mean to reconcile after an argument (They argued but made up later).
- Can mean to constitute or form something (Women make up 50% of the workforce).
- Can mean to apply cosmetics (She makes up her face every morning).
- Can mean to compensate for something missed (I need to make up the time I lost).
- This entry focuses on the 'invent' meaning.
Explanation
Origin
- The 'invent' sense dates back to the 19th century.
- Make means to create or construct.
- Up can imply bringing something into existence or completing something (similar to think up).
- The idea is constructing or creating something (a story, an excuse) from one's imagination.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Pull out of thin air / Pull out of one's ass (Vulgar, emphasizes complete fabrication with no basis)
- Spin a yarn (To tell a long, often imaginative or untrue story)
Vulgar/Emphatic (Expressing disbelief or accusation):
- That's complete bullshit, you totally made that up!
- Stop making shit up!
Milder/Standard:
- Imagine
- Formulate
Situational Appropriateness
- The 'invent' meaning is common in informal and semi-formal settings.
- Fabricate or concoct might be used in more formal contexts when discussing deception.
- Be aware of the multiple meanings of make up.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- The biggest issue is the multiple meanings. Context is crucial. They made up could mean they reconciled, invented something, applied cosmetics, etc. Listen for the object or surrounding words (e.g., make up a story, make up after a fight, make up the time, make up her face, make up the difference).
Examples
- He made up an elaborate excuse for being late.
- Children often make up imaginary friends.
- Let's make up a song about our trip.
- Are you telling the truth, or did you make that up?
Dialogue
Parent: Why weren't you at school today?
Child: Uh... because a giant purple dinosaur blocked the road!
Parent: A giant purple dinosaur? Are you making that up?
Child: (Smiling sheepishly) Maybe... I just didn't feel well.
Parent: Next time, just tell me the truth instead of making up wild stories.
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: My kid made up the funniest song about our cat. Kids' imaginations are amazing! #parenting #creativity
- Reddit Comment: OP, are you sure that happened or did you just make it up for karma? Seems unbelievable. #thathappened
- Facebook Post: Caught in the rain without an umbrella! Had to make up an excuse for being soaked in my meeting. 😂 #worklife #fail
Response Patterns
To an accusation (Did you make that up?):
- Denial: No, it's true!, I swear I didn't make it up.
- Admission: Okay, fine, I made it up., Yes, I confess.
To a suggestion (Let's make up a game):
- Agreement: Okay, sounds fun!, Sure, how does it work?
- Questioning: Make up a game? How?
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After someone is suspected of making something up:
- Ask for proof or details (How do you know?, Can you prove it?).
- Express disbelief (I don't believe you).
After deciding to make something up (e.g., a story):
- Begin the creative process (Okay, it starts like this...).
- Ask for collaborative input (What should happen next?).
Conversation Starter
- No. Arises when discussing creativity, excuses, truthfulness, or the origin of an idea/story.
Intonation
- Stress typically falls on make, up, and the thing being invented.
- Did you just MAKE that UP? (Often skeptical)
- He MADE UP a STORY.
- Tone can be playful (inventing a game), skeptical (doubting an excuse), or descriptive.
Generation Differences
- Widely used and understood across all generations.
Regional Variations
- Standard in all major English-speaking regions.