THE phrase ‘up for grabs’ is ugly regardless of the origins of its use. Why do our radio/TV announcers persist?
Every prize, every trophy, every medal is unfortunately ‘up for grabs’. Why must we grab them? What do our announcers mean? Do they mean ‘up for competition’ or ‘to be competed for?’ These are much more civil phrases.
Many of us deemed old-fashioned were taught by our parents, that it was impolite, most times rude to snatch or grab something from someone.
The English dictionary defines ‘to grab’ as ‘to seize by force or to snatch’. It defines ‘grabbing’ as ‘unscrupulous seizure.’
It defines ‘a grabber’ as an avaricious person.
Remember radio and television are a medium of training as well.