Souped: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The term 'souped' comes from 'soup', which in Old French means 'to taste' or 'to sip'.
• The usage of 'souped up' arose in the early 20th century, particularly in the context of cars being modified for better performance.
• Initially, it referred to enhancing food, but it evolved into a metaphor for improving various things.

Automotive Culture

• In car culture, 'souped up' describes vehicles that have been modified to improve speed or performance, which became popular during the muscle car era of the 1960s.
• Customization of cars in the 1980s and 1990s led to increased popularity of the term, linking it with street racing and car shows.
• Many automotive enthusiasts take pride in 'souping up' their cars as a form of personal expression and creativity.

Pop Culture

• The expression appears frequently in movies and music, often associated with speed and excitement, reflecting a desire for enhanced experiences.
• In shows like 'Fast and Furious', characters often soup up their vehicles to gain an edge in races, highlighting the connection between customization and competition.

Technology

• In tech, software developers often 'soup up' applications, adding new features or improving performance to attract more users.
• Gaming consoles and PCs can also be souped up with upgrades, making them capable of handling more demanding games and applications.

Literature

• Authors sometimes use the metaphor of 'souping up' to describe characters who undergo transformations or enhancements that make them more powerful.
• In storytelling, these changes often signify personal growth or the acquisition of skills that reshape the character's journey.