glow up

USAGE SUMMARY

"glow up" is an acceptable part of the written English language.
It is used to describe a process of personal improvement, typically in terms of physical appearance or self-confidence. For example: "I feel like I'm finally starting to glow up since I've been taking better care of myself recently."

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

They also glow up to eight times brighter than the old lights.

The New York Times

They glow up in the headlights of the pickup, white and sagging.

Vice

Hermione gets a Belle-style glow up, but Ron is beastly enough not to ask her to the ball.

Vice

What I am saying is the Mini Cheddar is capable of a glow up, and anyone who actively eats them probably had a really harrowing two years towards the end of secondary school that they cheerfully "don't like to talk about!" before they discovered the dual delights of not getting pushed into bins a lot and having good haircuts.

Vice

In the evening, cooking fires cast an eerie glow up and down the sidewalks.

The New York Times

Let me keep the scent, the weight, the bright of you, take the countless hours and count them all night through till that time comes when you come to the door of dreams, carrying oranges that cast a glow up into your face.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

De La Rosa worked the shooting scene all through that night, under black palm trees against a red sky, porch lights glowing up and down the street.

The Guardian

These viruses carrying the tubes would be injected into the body, and with light shining on the skin, be capable of glowing up to 10cm or so inside the body.

The Economist

A woozy Anderson.Paak feature, Glowed Up, where beats fall a nanosecond out on purpose, is testament to hip-hop chops; there's also doses of post-Flying Lotus jazz, in the form of Weight Off (featuring BadBadNotGood).

The Guardian - Music

The efficacy and durability of our fabricated device has also been demonstrated by glowing up 24 commercially available blue light emitting diodes for 10 days with same intensity by charging one time under light.

Electrochimica Acta

"I'm glowed up, I'm glowed up, goddamn I'm glowed up".

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To emphasize the extent of change and improvement in appearance use "full glow up".

Common error

While "glow up" is acceptable in casual conversation and social media, avoid using it in formal writing or professional settings. Opt for more formal alternatives like "transformation" or "improvement in appearance" in those contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "glow up" functions as an intransitive phrasal verb, often used to describe the process of undergoing a significant and positive transformation, particularly in appearance or self-confidence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's an acceptable phrase in contemporary English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "glow up" is a phrasal verb that describes a significant and positive transformation, often in appearance or self-confidence. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in contemporary English. While it's more common in informal contexts like news and social media, it's advisable to use more formal alternatives in professional settings. The term signifies a modern way to express improvement and personal enhancement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become more attractive

Directly states an increase in physical attractiveness.

enhance one's appearance

Directly relates to making improvements to one's physical look.

get a new look

Implies a change in physical appearance, often through a specific action or event.

undergo a transformation

Emphasizes a significant change in appearance or character, focusing on the process itself.

bloom into someone

Suggests a gradual and positive development into a more attractive or confident person.

experience a makeover

Specifically relates to changes in physical appearance, often through professional assistance.

upgrade one's style

Focuses on improvements in fashion and personal presentation.

improve one's image

Focuses on enhancing public perception and outward presentation.

evolve into a better version

Focuses on personal growth and self-improvement leading to a more desirable self.

reinvent oneself

Highlights a complete change in lifestyle, attitude, and appearance.

FAQs

How can I use "glow up" in a sentence?

You can use "glow up" to describe a transformation in appearance and confidence. For example: "She had a major "glow up" after changing her diet and exercise routine."

What does it mean when someone says 'she glowed up'?

Saying someone 'glowed up' means they have significantly improved their appearance and overall self-presentation, often accompanied by increased confidence.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "glow up"?

Alternatives to "glow up" include "undergo a transformation", "enhance one's appearance", or "improve one's image", depending on the specific context.

Is "glow up" appropriate for professional communication?

While widely understood, "glow up" is generally considered informal. In professional settings, it's better to use phrases like "personal transformation" or "enhanced self presentation" for a more polished tone.