1349 Bring up (a topic/child)

Explanation

To mention or introduce a topic into a conversation.
To raise a child; to care for and educate a child until adulthood.
Can also mean to vomit (He brought up his dinner). This entry focuses on the first two meanings.

Origin

Mention a topic: Likely from the idea of 'bringing' a subject 'up' from a lower level of attention (or from silence) into the focus of the conversation. Dates from the 19th century.
Raise a child: Dates from the 16th century. Bring relates to guiding or leading. Up signifies growth or development to maturity. The idea is guiding a child 'up' to adulthood.

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

(Mention topic): Drop (e.g., drop a hint, drop a name) often more subtle introduction.
(Raise child): (No direct slang equivalents, raise is standard informal)

Vulgar/Emphatic:

(Mention topic, expressing annoyance): Why the fuck did you bring that up?
(Raise child): (Not applicable, upbringing is usually discussed respectfully or descriptively)

Milder/Standard:

(Mention topic): Allude to (Refer indirectly)
(Raise child): Nurture, Cultivate (More formal/poetic)

Situational Appropriateness

Both meanings are common in informal and semi-formal conversation.
Raise is perhaps slightly more common than bring up for children in modern usage, but both are standard.
Introduce or raise might be slightly more formal for topics in meetings.

Misunderstanding Warnings

The main confusion is between the 'mention topic' and 'raise child' meanings. Context almost always makes it clear. The vomit meaning is less common but possible (The bad smell almost made me bring up my lunch).

Examples

(Mention topic): Don't bring up politics at the dinner table.
(Mention topic): She brought up an interesting point during the meeting.
(Raise child): My grandparents brought me up after my parents passed away.
(Raise child): They were brought up to be polite and respectful.

Dialogue

Dialogue 1 (Topic):

Anna: ...and that reminds me, I wanted to bring up the budget for next quarter.

Ben: Okay, good point. Let's discuss that after we finish this item.

Anna: Sure. I just didn't want to forget to bring it up.

Dialogue 2 (Child):

Carlos: My parents always taught me the importance of honesty.

Sara: Mine too. I think it depends on how you were brought up.

Carlos: Definitely. Being brought up in a strict household shaped me a lot.

Response Patterns

(To topic being brought up): Address the topic, express agreement/disagreement, ask for clarification, or change the subject (Let's not talk about that now).
(To statement about upbringing): Express interest (Oh, really?), ask for details (What was that like?), share own experience.

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

After someone brings up a topic:

Engage with the topic (That's an interesting point, tell me more, I disagree because...).
Ask why they mentioned it (What made you bring that up?).

After learning how someone was brought up:

Ask about their childhood experiences or family values.
Relate it to their current personality or views.

Conversation Starter

Can be used to introduce a new direction within an existing conversation (Speaking of X, that brings up Y...). Not usually a cold opener. Talking about how someone was brought up can be part of getting to know them.

Intonation

Stress falls on bring, up, and the topic or child mentioned.
(Topic): Why did you BRING UP THAT SUBJECT? (Can sound accusatory or curious)
(Child): He was BROUGHT UP in the COUNTRYSIDE. (Usually sounds descriptive)

Generation Differences

Universally understood. Raise might be slightly preferred over bring up for children by some speakers, but both are common across generations.

Regional Variations

Standard in all major English-speaking regions.

Work out (a problem/at the gym)

🎲 Call off (an event)