Crossword Genius

See you texting mate with reprimand (3,2)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

cut up

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'reprimand' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are verbs in their base form, I cannot understand how they can define each other.

'see you texting mate' is the wordplay.
'see' becomes 'C' (the word for the letter, according to Chambers).
'you texting' becomes 'u' (abbreviation for 'you' when texting).
'mate' becomes 'tup' (both can mean to copulate).
'c'+'u'+'tup'='CUT-UP'

'with' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for cut up that I've seen before include "Destroy with scissors" , "affected by separation" , "Extremely upset" , "Dissect" , "Maize, rye, corn, etc" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.