Giddy Up Meaning, Origin and Examples

The idiomatic phrase “giddy up” is used by everyone. The first thing that most people think of when they hear this phrase is an old western movie and a cowboy riding his horse telling him to go faster. Why this has something to do with the phrase, it does not mean someone thinks you are a horse.

Here you will find the meaning of this phrase, some information detailing its origin, and some example sentences and conversations that will allow you to garner a deeper understanding by seeing the phrase used in the proper context. At the conclusion, you will also see some words or phrases that you can use to replace the phrase “giddy up” during a conversation, yet still relay the same message.

Giddy Up Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • “Giddy up” is an expression used to urge action or movement, originally from horse riding, meaning “let’s go” or “move faster.” It’s also used to express excitement or enthusiasm for starting something.
Giddy Up Meaning
Giddy Up Meaning – Created by 7ESL

What Does “Giddy Up” Mean?

The idiom “giddy up” is a colloquial phrase that originated from horse riding. It is a command used to urge a horse to start moving or to move faster, similar to saying “let’s go” or “move along.”

In modern, casual usage, “giddy up” can be used more broadly to encourage action or to express excitement and enthusiasm about getting started with something. For example, if someone says, “Giddy up, let’s get this project moving!” they are encouraging people to get going with energy and enthusiasm.

Origin of this Idiomatic Phrase

The idiom “giddy up” originated sometime in the 1920s. It was originally an exclamation used by people riding horses. The rider would use the spurs on his/her boots to kick the horse gently and tell the horse to “giddy up” or move.

Usage of “Giddy Up”

Here are some examples of how to use “giddy up” in different contexts:

  1. Literal (horse riding context):
    • The cowboy tapped his heels and shouted, “Giddy up!” as the horse trotted forward.
  2. Figurative (to urge action or excitement):
    • We’ve got a lot of work to do, so giddy up and get started!
    • The race is about to begin. Giddy up, everyone!
  3. Encouraging enthusiasm:
    • We’re almost at the finish line. Giddy up, team!

It is often used to energize or motivate others to take action.

Related Terms to “Giddy Up”

  • Get going – to start moving or taking action.
  • Move it – a command to hurry or start moving.
  • Step on it – to move faster or hurry up.
  • Let’s roll – to begin or proceed with something.
  • Hustle – to move quickly or work hard with energy.
  • Chop-chop – an informal way of telling someone to hurry.
  • Get a move on – to encourage someone to start moving or working faster.
  • On the go – actively moving or engaged in action.
  • Full speed ahead – to move forward with maximum effort and speed.
  • Get cracking – to begin something with energy and enthusiasm.

Alternatives to “Giddy Up”

There are several alternative words or phrases that you could use instead of using the idiom “giddy up.” Some of the other ways you could say this phrase include:

  • Get up
  • Get going
  • Hurry

“Giddy Up” Examples

Example Sentences

  • My mother’s response to me lacking motivation was always giddy up and get a move on.
  • When I was sick with the flu I didn’t even have enough giddy up to get out of bed.

Example Conversations

A conversation between mother and daughter.

  • Mother: Giddy Up! It’s time to go!
  • Daughter: (still half asleep, face in the pillow) Go where? The sun is not even up yet!
  • Mother: We need to get on the road to beat rush hour traffic and get to your appointment on time.

A discussion between two co-workers.

  • Co-worker 1: Have you noticed that Ross has lost all his giddy up?
  • Co-worker 2: Yes. I have seen that his motivation has been lacking the last couple of weeks.
  • Co-worker 1: I don’t know him that well, but maybe we should ask him if everything is okay.
  • Co-worker 2: I think that might be a good idea.
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