AIBU to wonder exactly how one rocks up somewhere?

[RockingUp]

I keep seeing the term used on Mumsnet and I must know exactly what it involves. I'm picturing someone striding along with a '90s boombox on their shoulder but I suspect that isn't what they mean.

It means "arrived".

Used by those who lives are so special they cannot merely turn up.

I've always thought it meant to arrive somewhere casually, possibly unplanned, often late.

Exactly. Much like waltzing in. Imo sometimes it's just used for general dramatic effect, e.g. when launching into some supposedly shocking tale: "Sooooo..... I rock up at Tesco, and you'll never guess what happens..." Or to inject a feeling of surprise at an unexpected arrival. "... and then my long-lost sister rocked up!"

Pretty normal use of figurative language / exaggeration in colloquial English, I'd say.

Or rolling from side to side. Which is maybe how it works for people at the larger end of life.

I've seen/heard it for ages, used to mean "arrive last minute" - e.g., "Can we just rock up and buy tickets for the next ferry, or do we need a reservation?"

I imagine a group of people in those old wooden rocking chairs, perhaps propelled by furiously pumping the arms...

I am in my 50s and roll up was used more often in my youth, to me rock up is just an Americanism of that. Showing no awareness or care about where you are rolling up to or the people there that perhaps have been impacted by your lateness. Also implies a laziness to make an effort.

”Roll up” and “Rock up” are both used in the States, just depends on region.

To me the term would imply both casual and confident, self assured without a care. Maybe an element of cool too, or even arrogance....

I spent 5 days debating outfits and got my hair and nails done for the party. Sarah decided at last minute to come and just rocked up in some leggings and a messy bun but looked great in the chiffon blouse.

It was Ben's 49th last week and guess who just rocked up at 9:30 without even an invite?

Well it's most of us from accounts going but don't put it passed Lizzy to come. She often rocks up at the last minute.

We were just sitting there eating when I noticed people turning. I look over and in rocks Kim in sequin hot pants and sunglasses.....on a Sunday! Just saunters over and nicks a chip then sachés by in her heels, swinging her leather jacket.

Oh noooooooo.
It's a man with a moustache and 1970s footballer hair that rocks up. Sunglasses and tight (possibly) red leather trousers. Probably called Burt.

"You walked in to the party like you were walking onto a yacht. Your hat strategically tipped below one eye. Your scarf it was apricot. You had one eye on the mirror as you watched yourself walk by..."

I'd use "roll up" for a cheeky fucker who turned up without an invitation.

Yep. Like that.
Was it ever established who it was? When all the huge male stars were smugly convinced it was them? I seem to remember it wasn't Warren Beatty despite his ego very much wanting it to be. Despite his "app-ricot" scarf.

Ok this proper made me lol!!! 🤣

I don't mind "rock up" but I agree with you on "hit". I also hate "grab" - grab a coffee, grab some food. Stop trying to make your life sound more exciting and urgent than it really is

I did not realise until this second when I have examined it that in my head the term 'rocked up' means arriving in a soft top sports car, and sort of screeching to the kerb

Another one - "jump on a call", because we all know how crazy and dynamic the home-based office scene is these days.

@ScentOfAMemory
Yep. Like that.
Was it ever established who it was? When all the huge male stars were smugly convinced it was them? I seem to remember it wasn't Warren Beatty despite his ego very much wanting it to be. Despite his "app-ricot" scarf.

I think WB wanted it to be him but there have been hints that it was Mick Jagger.

First time I ever saw this phrase was from the late Jade Goody - in 2006 when I read her bio.

I'm glad OP that you've started this thread as I hate this phrase with a passion - it's right up there with 'moby' for mobile and chrimbo/chrimble for Xmas !!

Just rock up, waltz in and crack on.

I imagine a vintage Cadillac , wide and low, coming to a halt in a crunch of gravel and swinging suspension.

Arriving in a noticeable or annoying way.

Given how most people in the thread seems to interpret this phrase - think how Stephen Bear appeared outside court this week..

I hate this phrase with a passion but I've always had a more neutral interpretation of the phrase rather than an arrogant 'showing up' iyswim

Exactly this turns up/arrives obliviously often either early, late, unexpectedly or possibly uninvitedly.

Stephen Bear, anyone?

“Holibobs” for holiday

Urgh!
Sounds so bloody twee.

” Crack on” is another one.
Mercifully “ Hun” is on the back burner now.

I think it’s yet another Americanism. I quite like it providing you don’t use “man” or “dude” in the same sentence.

“Hun” is awful even if the person using it us mocking. Ugh.

…is mocking.