Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

river1974 · Joined: 20 May 2003 Posts: 525 Location: Taiwan

Dear teachers:

That pretty girl looks like a possible *pickup*.

What does "pickup" here mean?

Thanks.

Blossom · Joined: 30 May 2005 Posts: 291 Location: Beijing China

I want to know too. Is it a bad thing to say?

pugachevV · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 2295

A pickup, in this context, means that she looks as if you might be able to pick her up, i.e. have a date with her etc.

Blossom · Joined: 30 May 2005 Posts: 291 Location: Beijing China

I do not find this very clear. Do you have to be strong to pick her up?

I have heard of a pick up truck. Any connection?

I do not understand what it means to pick up someone. Can you explain please.

Bob S. · Joined: 29 Apr 2004 Posts: 1767 Location: So. Cal

luckyman · Joined: 18 Jun 2005 Posts: 3 Location: Europe, Austria

pick-up
pick-up pick-ups also pickup
1 A pick-up or a pick-up truck is a small truck with low sides that can be easily loaded and unloaded.
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2 A pick-up in trade or in a country's economy is an improvement in it.
...a pick-up in the housing market...
N-SING: usu N in n

3 A pick-up takes place when someone picks up a person or thing that is waiting to be collected.
The company had pick-up points in most cities...
N-COUNT: usu N n

4 When a pick-up takes place, someone talks to a person in a friendly way in the hope of having a casual sexual relationship with them. (INFORMAL)
They had come to the world's most famous pick-up joint.
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(c) HarperCollins Publishers.

Blossom · Joined: 30 May 2005 Posts: 291 Location: Beijing China

Thank you everyone. It is clear now.