Derived from the phrase "cowboy up", meaning "be tough, be strong, act like a real cowboy", which was in use in rodeo circles at least since the mid-1970's. "Man up" means, similarly, "be tough, be a man, do what a man should do." Other derivations, such as "woman up", are common.
Stop complainign and man up!
by Aab July 12, 2006
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When a grown man is crying and moaning about something out of his control and someone tells him to knock it off or "man up"
Also see misspelled entry "manup".
Worker 1: Man, i hate diging ditches. Why do we have to do this all the time? This sucks. I need a break. My feet hurt. The boss hates me.
Worker 2: Quit acting like a little girl and "Man up"!
by Chadster October 25, 2003
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v. To act in accordance with established masculine roles in a given situation, implying courage and responsibility. Usually used in the imperative, the term is a favorite of police who want suspects to incriminate themselves. Ironically, advice to 'man-up' is usually followed by a promise that it is the least painful alternative.
You signed for a package full of weed, now you need to man-up, and admit that you knew what was in it. It'll go easier for you with the judge.
by tom ballard, esquire March 3, 2009
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To play man-to-man defense in a basketball game.
Timid Timothy pissed his pants when the coach told him that he'd have to man up against Shaq.
by Nick D May 18, 2004
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Not wanting to do something because you are too tired, scared, lazy, etc... but once you do it, you feel much better about yourself
Josh didn't want to take out the garbage, but once he decided to "man up" and do it, he felt much better about himself because his apartment didn't stink anymore
by JoshyWashy March 10, 2012
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Be more brave. Step up.
Talkin' talkin' talkin' talkin' talkin' dat shit?
Talkin' talkin' talkin' talkin' talkin' dat shit?
Talkin' talkin' talkin' talkin' talkin' dat shit?
Talkin' talkin' talkin' talkin' talkin' dat shit?
Man up, muthafucka, man up.
by D-Miles September 30, 2006
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To become tougher, or more manly.
"Damn nigga, yo ass need to man up!"
"I think it's time for someone to man up!"
"We love to get drunk, go the bar, and find the toughest son of a bitch in there and see how tough he really is...see if he can MAN UP!"
by TST November 12, 2006
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