Cowboy Up

What does cowboy up mean?

Get tough

When someone thinks a person is whining too much, they may tell them to "cowboy up" (act like a cowboy). The term comes from cowboys being generally very tough, whether putting up with long trips in the saddle, poor weather, bad food, or minimal pay.

You may see the phrase online and in text messages or hear people use it in person, as well. For example, if you complain about a twisted ankle in the middle of a football game, your teammate may say, "Cowboy up and get back out there!" Or, you might message your brother, "cowboy up and come to t-giving dinner like the rest of us!"

Example

It's too cold to go out and practice
Cowboy up, you big baby!
X user telling whiners to cowboy up
X user telling whiners to cowboy up

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Updated December 11, 2023

Cowboy Up definition by Slang.net

This page explains what the slang term "Cowboy Up" means. The definition, example, and related terms listed above have been written and compiled by the Slang.net team.

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