- Rambo is a fictional Vietnam War veteran and Green Beret with strong combat skills (featured in a set of 1980s movies of the same name). The term is a metaphor which refers to preparation in a manner that mimics that of Rambo preparing to attack an enemy. The addition of ‘up’ as the second word of the phrase mimic preexisting phrase ‘gear up.’
Ramboing up
verb; derivation affixation
Preparing to attack someone.
Etymology : Suffix –ing meaning ‘the action of’ added to the name Rambo (referring to the fictional character); ‘up’ is the second word of the phrase to mimic preexisting phrases such as ‘gear up.’
Source : “There’s no need for us to go Ramboing up.” – The West Wing, 1/2011
Last modified: 2 December 2011