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Origin and history of tune-up

tune-up(n.)

"adjustments made to an automobile to improve its working," 1911, from verbal phrase tune up "bring to a state of effectiveness," which is attested by 1718, originally figurative, extended from use in reference to musical instruments or the voice (1701); see tune (v.) + up (adv.). The verbal phrase is attested by 1901 in reference to engines, "put into most efficient working order."

The meaning "event that serves as practice for a later one" is from 1933, U.S. sports jargon, originally of automobile races. by 1934 of other sports.

also from 1911

Entries linking to tune-up

tune(v.)

"adjust the tones of (a voice or musical instrument), bring into a state of correct or standard pitch," c. 1500, from tune (n.). Earlier "sound a musical instrument" (late 14c.), "intone, recite, chant" (mid-15c.).

Figuratively, "put in proper or desirable condition," 1520s, hence, non-musically, "set a machine in order for work" (1814); also, "adjust (the ear, a receiver), put into a state proper for some purpose," recorded by 1887.

The verbal phrase tune in, in reference to radio is recorded from 1913; the figurative extension to "become aware" is recorded by 1926 in "Variety." Later extended to television; an earlier verbal phrase for TV was watch in (1928).

Tune out "eliminate radio reception on a particular frequency" is recorded from 1908; the figurative sense of "disregard, stop heeding" is from 1928. Related: Tuned; tuning.

up(adv., prep.)

"to or toward a point or place higher than another," Old English up, uppe, from Proto-Germanic *upp- "up," from PIE root *upo "under," also "up from under," hence also "over." As a preposition, from late Old English as "down onto, above and touching, sitting on, at the summit of;" from c. 1200 as "to a higher place."

Often used elliptically for go up, come up, rise up, etc. To be up to (something) "engaged in some activity" (typically reprehensible) is by 1837. Slang up the river "in jail" is recorded by 1891, originally in reference to Sing Sing, which is up the Hudson from New York City. To drive someone up the wall (1951) is from the notion of the behavior of lunatics or caged animals. Insulting retort up yours (scil. ass (n.2)) is attested by late 19c.

From the same Proto-Germanic source are Old Frisian, Old Saxon up "up, upward," Old Norse upp; Danish, Dutch op; Old High German uf, German auf "up;" Gothic iup "up, upward," uf "on, upon, under;" Old High German oba, German ob "over, above, on, upon."