Act up
verb
To behave badly or not work properly.
My computer is acting up again, I may need to take it for repair.
Often appears as...
- computer acting up
- car acting up
Usage tips
Colloquial
verb
To physically or mentally feel unwell, usually a chronic condition becoming worse.
My arthritis is acting up again because of the cold weather.
Often appears as...
- arthritis acting up
- asthma acting up
verb
To behave badly or not work properly.
My computer is acting up again, I may need to take it for repair.
Often appears as...
- computer acting up
- car acting up
Usage tips
Colloquial
verb
To physically or mentally feel unwell, usually a chronic condition becoming worse.
My arthritis is acting up again because of the cold weather.
Often appears as...
- arthritis acting up
- asthma acting up
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Technical Trouble
Use 'act up' for gadgets or machines causing frustration due to malfunctions.
If your printer starts acting up, try restarting it before calling support.
Pro Tip 2/3Mischievous Behavior
'Act up' often describes children or animals misbehaving in a playful but troublesome way.
Whenever there's a full moon, the kids in my class tend to act up more.
Pro Tip 3/3Non-serious Context
'Act up' isn't generally used for serious or criminal behaviors, only for minor disruptions.
My phone's acting up, it keeps dropping calls today.
Pro Tip 1/3Technical Trouble
Use 'act up' for gadgets or machines causing frustration due to malfunctions.
If your printer starts acting up, try restarting it before calling support.
Pro Tip 2/3Mischievous Behavior
'Act up' often describes children or animals misbehaving in a playful but troublesome way.
Whenever there's a full moon, the kids in my class tend to act up more.
Pro Tip 3/3Non-serious Context
'Act up' isn't generally used for serious or criminal behaviors, only for minor disruptions.
My phone's acting up, it keeps dropping calls today.
Pro Tip 1/3Technical Trouble
Use 'act up' for gadgets or machines causing frustration due to malfunctions.
If your printer starts acting up, try restarting it before calling support.
Pro Tip 2/3Mischievous Behavior
'Act up' often describes children or animals misbehaving in a playful but troublesome way.
Whenever there's a full moon, the kids in my class tend to act up more.
Pro Tip 3/3Non-serious Context
'Act up' isn't generally used for serious or criminal behaviors, only for minor disruptions.
My phone's acting up, it keeps dropping calls today.
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