Definition of blaze up

The phrase "blaze up" originally comes from the hunting culture of the 19th century. Back then, hunters would set fire to dry vegetation in order to create a blazing trail that would lead them to their prey. This method became known as "setting the blaze" or "blazing a trail." Over time, "blaze" began to be used as a verb, to mean "to burn fiercely or brightly." In the context of smoking, "blaze" came to describe the act of lighting a marijuana cigarette (also known as a joint). "Blaze up" then became a slang expression for smoking marijuana, using "blaze" to mean both "start burning" and "smoke enthusiastically". The term "blaze up" was popularized in the 1970s and remains in use today, particularly within subcultures that come from or are associated with Rastafarianism, reggae music, and hip-hop. Its continued popularity can be attributed to both its cultural significance and the descriptive nature of the phrasing, which vividly communicates the vivacious and powerful burn of a glowing joint.