PhrasesHub

Get the pip

    Definitions

      • to feel upset or annoyed
        To express frustration, anger, or disappointment with someone or something

      • to feel unwell or sick
        To express feeling ill or unwell, often with a stomachache or headache

      • to cause someone to feel upset or annoyed
        To describe someone or something that is irritating or bothersome

    Examples of Get the pip

    • After a long day at work, Jane decided to unwind with a glass of wine, but the party across the street made it difficult for her to enjoy her drink. Every time she took a sip, she heard someone shouting and laughing outside. She sighed and muttered, "This party is really getting on my pip."

      In this context, "getting on my pip" means that the loud party is irritating and annoying Jane. The origin of this idiom is unclear, but it's thought to come from the Scottish word "pip" which means a small bagpipe. In the past, pipers would play their instruments loudly, causing a disturbance. Over time, "get the pip" was used to describe any situation that caused annoyance or irritation.

    • The party lost its momentum as several important members got the pip and left the organization.

      This idiom is used when someone becomes disenchanted with an organization, group or situation and loses interest or enthusiasm for it. It can be seen as a metaphor for the bursting of balloons called "pips", which were once regarded as expensive decorative items but now used as toys to make a popping sound. This idiom is used to imply that the departing members' departure put a damper on the party's spirit and vibrancy.

    • After years of struggling to make ends meet, the businessman finally got the pip and decided to throw in the towel.

      'Get the pip' is also used metaphorically to represent the sudden loss of motivation or willpower to continue doing something, especially after putting in a lot of effort over an extended period. In this context, the businessman felt overwhelmed or discouraged, and quitted the enterprise as a last resort.

    • The lack of respect and recognition for his hard work caused the employee's spirits to plummet, and he finally decided to get the pip.

      This idiom is frequently used to describe a scenario where an individual gets fed up with continued mistreatment, neglect, or disregard for their efforts. The employee in this example couldn't sustain the frustration any longer and dropped out of his job.

    • The crowd booed as the disappointed contestant's performance came to an abrupt end, clearly showing that he got the pip.

      This idiom is used to imply that the contestant's performance had lost its luster, and the audience's annoyance was evident. 'Get the pip' implies that the situation went from bad to worse so suddenly that it feels like the bursting of a balloon, with a loud, sudden popping sound. The sudden loss of interest, excitement, or enthusiasm of audiences or fans is likened to the popping of balloons now referred to as "pips".


    Conclusion

    The idiom "get the pip" has several meanings that all revolve around feeling negative emotions. The first meaning is to feel upset or annoyed, typically used to express frustration or disappointment. The second meaning is to feel unwell or sick, often with a stomachache or headache. This usage is likely related to the expression "to have the pip," which means to have a contagious disease.

    The third meaning is to cause someone to feel upset or annoyed, describing something or someone that is bothersome or irritating. This could be used to describe a person's behavior or a situation that is causing annoyance. Overall, all three meanings convey a sense of discomfort or negativity.

    Origin of "Get the pip"

    The origin of this idiom is uncertain, but it likely comes from the word "pip" meaning a small seed or fruit, specifically from the seed of an apple or orange. In the 1800s, the word "pip" was also used to describe small, hard seeds in fruit, such as pomegranate seeds. This may explain the connection to feeling unwell or sick, as the seeds could cause discomfort if ingested.

    Another possible origin comes from the game of cribbage, in which players score points by achieving certain combinations of cards. The highest scoring combination is known as the "pips" and may have been used to describe someone who is overly competitive or difficult to play against. This could also explain the meaning of causing someone to feel annoyed or upset.

    Overall, the exact origin of this idiom remains unclear, but it likely has roots in both the literal meaning of "pip" as a seed or small fruit and the slang use in games like cribbage.