rug up
verb · casual
To put on warm clothes.
How Aussies use it
- Rug up, it's freezing outside!
- We rugged up and watched the footy in the cold.
How to pronounce ‘rug up’
Say it like this: rug UP
‘rug up’ in a conversation
Mum: It's only eight degrees this morning.
Leo: Okay, I'll rug up and take my jumper.
Good to know
You'll hear it a lot in winter and on cold mornings. Weather presenters often say it too.
Where you'll hear ‘rug up’
You'll hear 'rug up' on cold mornings, in winter weather reports and from parents getting kids ready for school. It's also common before night events outside, like footy games and markets.
How to reply or use it yourself
If someone tells you to rug up, they're warning you it's cold, so you can say 'Thanks, I'll bring a jacket.' Use it yourself when you want to sound caring and casual.
More examples
- Rug up if you're going to the night market.
- We were all rugged up in scarves and beanies.
- The weather presenter told everyone to rug up for a chilly weekend.
🎧 Recorded with Australian AI voices (Bec and Davo from our Listening Room), so you hear a natural Aussie accent on every device.
A common mistake
It's about warm clothes, not a rug on the floor. You can also say 'rugged up' (dressed warmly).
Saying it more formally
In a formal email, essay or the PTE test, use dress warmly instead.
Slang is great for chatting with friends and workmates, but keep it out of PTE essays and formal writing.
Fill the gap
Which word goes in the gap?
It's only five degrees outside, so ___ ___ before you go.
Show the answer
rug up
Quick check
What does ‘rug up’ mean?
- A sausage.
- Thanks.
- To put on warm clothes.
Show the answer
C. To put on warm clothes.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'rug up' mean in Australia?
To put on warm clothes. You'll hear it a lot in winter and on cold mornings. Weather presenters often say it too.
Can I say 'rug up' at work?
Yes. 'rug up' is fine in most workplaces, in conversation and casual messages. In formal emails, reports and English tests, use more standard English.
How do you pronounce 'rug up'?
Say it like this: rug UP. Press 'Hear it' on this page to listen.
When do Australians say 'rug up'?
You'll hear 'rug up' on cold mornings, in winter weather reports and from parents getting kids ready for school. It's also common before night events outside, like footy games and markets.