Arriba

Question

Hi All:

I have heard people use the expression "arriba" during sports contests as a cheer, the most notable among them being Roberto Clemente of the Pittsburg Pirates (you would probably have to be over 50 to remember him).

I have look up the word in the dictionary and all I can find is the english translation "above", "upstairs".

Can someone tell me what "arriba" means when using it as a cheer?

Thanks,

Sid

Answer 1

Hi sid, just wanted to tell you that this word is also used as saying: long live, like in ¡Arriba España!

Answer 2

De nada.

Answer 3

Cherry:

Thanks. That makes total sense. A long standing question is answered.

Sid

Answer 4

I remember Roberto Clemente. This is one of the definitions of arriba:
excl get up!, up you get!
¡arriba la Constitución!, long live the Constitution!
¡arriba las manos!, hands up!
I think it is a cheer similar to when we say go!! to a player.