Definition of cook up

The origin of the phrase "cook up" dates back to the 17th century, where it originally meant to mix or combine ingredients in a pot or pan for cooking. Over time, the usage of "cook up" expanded to encompass the act of planning, scheming, or concocting something devious or illicit. In this context, "cook up" implies the plotting or preparation of nefarious schemes or unlawful activities, similar to the way a skilled chef might mix and combine various ingredients to create a dish that is even more tantalizing than the sum of its parts. This interpretation of "cook up" emerged in the late 1800s, evidenced by its use in criminological and underworld slang of the time. Overall, the etymology of "cook up" is a testament to the growing importance of cooking and cuisine in the English language, as it demonstrates how the culinary metaphor has permeated even the figurative language we use to describe criminal activity.