Definition of whip up

The origin of the phrase "whip up" dates back to the early 19th century when it was used to describe the action of a carriage whip as it lifted and raised a cloud of dust behind a horse-drawn vehicle. In this context, "whip up" meant to stir up or whip up a cloud of dust. Over time, the phrase evolved and began to be used figuratively. By the mid-19th century, "whip up" started to refer to the act of quickly and efficiently preparing a dish in the kitchen, often with a sense of excitement and enthusiasm. This new meaning of the phrase comes from the idea of whisking or whipping ingredients together quickly and vigorously, like a whip urging on a team of horses. The word "whip" itself has multiple origins. In the context of driving horses, the term likely comes from the Old Norse word "hvappa," which means "to urge on," and it was brought to England by Viking invaders. But when used in the sense of "whipping up" a dish, the word takes on a slightly different meaning. In this context, the whip becomes a metaphor for a utensil that is used to quickly and expertly beat and combine ingredients, much like a chef might wield a whisk when preparing a sauce.