To shut up means to stop talking or be quiet. (Early 1800s)
When shup up is used as a command, it is rude and abrupt. This is the most often heard of all idiom and phrases used to tell someone to stop talking.
To shut someone up, using this meaning, means to cause them to stop speaking.
Other Uses of Shut Up
- To Shut (Someone) Up can also mean to imprison or lock them inside a building, room, or other enclosure. (c. 1400)
- Shut (Something) Up: To close completely, especially windows or shutters. (Early 1500s). Often used in a complete sense as in “shut up the house” to mean securely close and lock all the doors and windows. (Early 1500s)
Origin
See usage dates above. In regards to speaking, this idiom alludes to shutting one’s mouth, with up acting as an intensifier, as it often does.
Sentence Examples
“Shut Up! You don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“I need you to shup up right now while I concentrate.”
“Peter is telling everyone you are a liar,” said Jerrold. “Yeah? Well tell him to shut up. He barely even knows me,” said Andy.
“Peter is telling people I’m a liar. I’m going to shut him up,” said Andy.
“He thinks he can tell me what to do. I told him to leave me alone or I’ll tell his wife about him and his secretary. That’ll shut him up!”
“Make sure all the window are shut up tight. There a storm coming.”
“The shutters are shut up the for the winter. Is there anything else we need to do before we leave?”
“We always shut the dog up in his kennel at night.”
“If I don’t testify, they’re going to shut me up in cell for ten years.”
See also: put up or shut up.
Similar and Related Phrases
- Put a Sock In It: An informal, somewhat rude idiom used to tell someone to be quiet, stop talking, or shut up.
- Shut Your Trap / Pie-Hole: Rude slang commands to stop talking.
- Pipe Down: A command to quiet down or lower one’s voice (originally naval jargon).
- Bite Your Tongue: A self-imposed effort to refrain from speaking or making a comment.
- Hold Your Tongue: To intentionally remain silent despite wanting to speak.