upsize
UP-syz
/ˈʌp.saɪz/
To upgrade or increase the portion size of a food or drink item, usually for a small additional cost.
Refers specifically to enlarging a standard order, such as converting a medium fry to a large.
The story behind the word. Coined during late-20th-century marketing initiatives in American quick-service chains, 'upsize' combined the directional prefix 'up' with 'size.' It flourished during the 1980s as cashiers were incentivized to prompt customers at checkout.
Word relationships
- upsell: 'Upsell' is the general sales term for persuading a customer to buy a pricier item, while 'upsize' specifically refers to increasing physical portion size.
- supersize: 'Supersize' was a trademarked term for extra-large options, whereas 'upsize' is a standard verb.
- downsize: 'Downsize' means to reduce the overall size or portion of an order.
Commonly confused with
- expand: Expand refers to growing physical space or brand presence, while upsize refers specifically to food and beverage volume.
Collocations
- upsize a meal
- upsize your drink
- option to upsize
- upsize for fifty cents
Example sentences
- "When asked if he wanted to upsize his drink, he agreed and paid fifty cents more for a large." Responding to a cashier's suggestive question.
- "Cashiers are trained to prompt customers to upsize their combo meals to boost store profits." Explaining revenue strategy in food retail.
Memory hook
Size goes UP when you UPSIZE. Pay a little more to get a bigger portion.
When not to use
Do not use when reducing size or ordering extra separate items.
Fun facts
- Suggestive prompts to upsize meals increase fast-food beverage revenues by up to 15 percent.
- The term gained international recognition during global fast-food marketing campaigns in the 1990s.
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