What Does To Buddy Up to Someone Mean?

Buddy Up Meaning

Definition: To become friendly with someone.

Origin of Buddy Up

This phrasal verb comes from the noun buddy, which is an informal word for friend. The word buddy originated in America around the 1840s and might have come from the word brother.

Examples of Buddy Up

The first dialogue shows a sister and her brother discussing their weekly budget.

Luke: Listen. I have another question about our budget.

Ella: Come on; let’s not discuss this anymore. We’ve spent hours going over it. And you’ve been doing a great job! We are right on track this month for our budget.

Luke: I know, but I just have one more question.

Ella: Fine. What is it?

Luke: What if I have a friend who needs to borrow money? Can I give that person money with this budget?

Ella: Absolutely not. Who is this person?

Luke: It’s Ricky. He says he just needs a little money for rent, and he’ll pay me back double!

Ella: No way. Ricky is always saying that. He always buddies up to you when he needs money; then you never hear from him again until he needs money again.

Luke: Yeah, I guess that’s true. I guess he’s not a true friend.

Ella: I’m sorry to say this, but it does seem like he’s just using you.

The second example shows two people arguing about which television show they should watch.

Ray: Hey! Change the channel. My show is on.

Jackie: No way. It’s my turn to choose what we watch. We’re going to watch my show.

Ray: Can I offer you some chips? And look what a nice shirt you have on today!

Jackie: Stop trying to buddy up to me. It’s not going to work. We’re still watching my show and not yours.

Ray: Fine. I get no appreciation around here.

More Examples

The below example talks about two TV characters who get to work together in a friendly way.

• It’s fun getting to buddy up with Monroe again [in the storyline]. I think the Nick-Monroe friendship is gold, and the fans love watching them interact. Monroe’s light, exuberant personality, paired with Nick’s very serious, taciturn personality — they play so well together. –LA Times

In this other example, the excerpt recommends making a friend with whom you can study.

• The key to an effective study-buddy relationship is finding someone with whom you work well. Read on to find out how to buddy up with the right person and to learn about the power of the study buddy. –USA Today

Summary

The phrase to buddy up to someone is another way to that two people are either pairing up or trying to become friends.