Definition of sex up

The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) traces the origin of the term "sex up" to the 1970s, where it was used primarily in UK journalism. Initially, the term was employed as a colloquialism in reference to spicing up or adding sexual appeal to news stories or characters in order to make them more engaging and captivating. The origins of the phrase can be ascribed to a growing popularity of tabloid and sensationalist journalism during this time. Such media outlets were known for their focus on celebrity gossip, scandalous headlines, and explicit content geared towards enticing and exciting readers. The term "sex up" emerged as a shorthand expression for adding sizzle and sensuality to such stories, characters, or events. The OED defines "sex up" as "to make (a person or situation) more sexually attractive or exciting" and provides examples such as "the story was sexed up to include lurid details" or "they wanted to sex up the character's image to make her more appealing to the audience." The term gained prominence in the aftermath of the British government's discreet advice to "sex up" its dossier on Iraq's weapons of mass destruction prior to launching military action. Overall, "sex up" is a phrase that reflects a trend towards commercialization and commodification of culture, characterized by a preoccupation with sexualization and sensationalism.