What Does “Crease sb up” Mean?
“Crease sb up” is a British informal phrasal verb that means to make someone laugh a lot or cause them to burst out laughing.
Introduction
The phrase “crease sb up” is often used in casual conversations to describe something or someone that makes another person laugh uncontrollably. The word “crease” here refers to the idea of folding or crumpling, which is a humorous way to express how laughter can physically affect someone’s body. Understanding the crease sb up meaning helps you recognize when people are talking about funny moments or jokes that bring joy and amusement. This expression is popular in British English and can add a lively tone when talking about humor. Using “crease sb up” correctly can make your English sound more natural and fun.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: crease somebody up
- Type: transitive
- Level: B2 (Upper-Intermediate)
- Short meaning: to make someone laugh a lot
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Crease sb up” is a transitive phrasal verb, which means it always takes a direct object (someone who is laughing).
- Subject + crease + somebody + up
- Example: The comedian creased the audience up.
This phrasal verb is inseparable, so you cannot put the object between “crease” and “up.”
How to Use “Crease sb up”?
You use “crease sb up” when you want to say that something made someone laugh very hard. It is often used in informal contexts such as conversations with friends, watching comedy shows, or describing funny situations. You can use it in the past, present, or future tense.
Examples of usage include talking about a joke, a funny story, or a humorous action that caused laughter.
Examples
- That joke really creased me up during the party.
- The clown’s silly tricks creased the children up.
- She told a funny story that creased everyone up.
- His impression of the teacher creased me up yesterday.
- Watching that comedy show always creases me up.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: The joke creased up me.
- Correct: The joke creased me up.
- Incorrect: He creased up.
- Correct: He creased me up.
Remember, you must always include the person who is laughing right after “crease.” It is not used without a direct object.
Differences / Synonyms
Similar phrasal verbs or expressions include:
- Crack sb up: Also means to make someone laugh a lot. Very similar and interchangeable with “crease sb up.”
- Split sb up: Informal, meaning to cause someone to laugh hard, but less common.
- Make sb laugh: More general and formal.
“Crease sb up” is more informal and often used in British English, while “crack sb up” is widely used in both British and American English.
Common Collocations
- Crease someone up with a joke
- Crease someone up with laughter
- Crease someone up by doing something funny
- Crease someone up at a party
- Crease someone up during a show
Real-life Dialogue
Anna: Did you see Tom’s dance moves last night?
Ben: Yes! They totally creased me up. I couldn’t stop laughing.
Anna: Me too. He’s so funny when he tries to dance.
Practice
Choose the correct sentence:
- a) The comedian creased the crowd up.
- b) The comedian creased up the crowd.
- c) The comedian creased up.
Answer: a) The comedian creased the crowd up.
FAQs
- Q: Is “crease sb up” formal?
A: No, it is informal and used mainly in casual conversations.
- Q: Can I use “crease sb up” in American English?
A: It is more common in British English, but Americans may understand it.
- Q: What is the difference between “crease sb up” and “crack sb up”?
A: Both mean to make someone laugh a lot, but “crack sb up” is more common internationally.
- Q: Can “crease sb up” be used without an object?
A: No, it always needs a direct object (someone who laughs).
- Q: Is “crease sb up” only about laughing?
A: Yes, it specifically means to make someone laugh hard.
