With fall just around the corner and winter on its heels, it is time to start thinking about snuggling up. When the weather turns chilly, the best thing to do is “bundle up” to stay warm and toasty. Aside from the cold weather, you can also bundle up batches of blankets to create the perfect nest. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.
Meaning
The phrase bundle up means to wear layers of clothing, typically winter wear. Wrapping up a person or an item in several layers is also the same as being bundled up. You can bundle up a package before putting it in the post, or you can bundle up a child before sending them out to play. Creating a layer of protection from the elements is the main meaning of bundle up.
Aside from being covered in a protective layer, bundle up has another meaning. It also means to combine services or products. For example, a computer may come bundled up with a set of software or accessories. You can bundle up a set of dishes along with matching glasses as well. It is worth noting that most often the phrase bundle up is used on children or the elderly. It is not commonly used for adults or in a professional setting. In the commercial world, bundle up is used almost exclusively as a marketing tactic. It can also be used to explain the proper way to pack and ship delicate products.
Example Usage
“Instead of buying each book on its own, why not bundle up the whole series and make it a box set?”
“Make sure that you bundle up the kids before you send them out to play in the snow. We don’t want to risk frostbite”.
“I love when retailers bundle up electronics with matching accessories, it makes things more affordable and helps you save time”.
“The last time I went trick or treating in the suburbs I forgot to bundle up and ended up with a bad cold”.
Origin
The phrase bundle has been around since the 1300s. The original phrase “bundle” was used to explain holding things together. Bind it up, or just bundle was the most common usage. In 1620, In early 14c, a bound collection in Middle Dutch was a bondel, and during the same time frame, Old English uses the word byndele for the same meaning. The compound phrase bundle up came about in 1850. It is informal and its exact origin is unknown. The phrase bundle up at that time was used to mean covering up in heavy clothing for a journey.
Phrases Similar to Bundle Up
- Wrap up
- Dress warmly
- Package
- Make a set
- Combine
- Clothe
- Roll up
Phrases Opposite to Bundle Up
- Unpack
- Dress down
- Removed
- Taken off
- Undressed
- Disrobed
What is the Correct Saying?
- The proper way to say the phrase is - bundle up.
Ways People May Incorrectly Say Bundle Up
Some ways that bundle-up is used incorrectly are:
- Please make sure to bundle up when you come inside.
- Always bundle up when you go to the beach, you don’t want to get wet.
- When shipping packages, instead of bundling up the bigger items, just let them float free.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase Bundle Up
Some ways that bundle-up is used correctly are:
- When you plan to head out into the snow, it would be a good idea to bundle up and also wear earmuffs.
- The best way to save the most money when shopping for bulk is to bundle up on your purchases when the store offers deals.
- The dogs are all bundled up in the back of the car. The basket will keep the safe and comfortable during the trip.
- It would be nice to just bundle up and head out to the mountains for the weekend, only if I didn’t have to work remotely.