tan up

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

To tan thoroughly (skin to change to a darker color from sun exposure).

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 tan (something) (turn into leather using tannic acid)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “tan up” mean?

To tan thoroughly (skin to change to a darker color from sun exposure).

Is “tan up” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.