bug up
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
To deliberately annoy or irk someone; to deliberately start a conflict with someone.
Register: slang
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
To install a bug (listening device) on a person, thing or place.
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “bug up” mean?
To deliberately annoy or irk someone; to deliberately start a conflict with someone.
Is “bug up” formal or informal?
bug up is generally slang.