James Baquet

    New expressions come, and often go just as quickly. As the new year begins, let’s look at some of these. In a recent article in Esquire magazine, author and editor Stacey Woods suggested that we get rid of some of the following expressions.

    The first group of words comes from urban slang. The author suggests that this sort of language may not be appropriate in many situations.

    1. Getting [one’s] [something] on: “Let’s go! It’s time to get my beer on!” or “Get in your room, young man. You need to get your homework on.” It simply means to do or have something. But some people think it sounds cooler to say, “I’m gonna get my dance on” instead of “I want to go dancing.”

    2. Up in here: Instead of just saying “here.” “It’s getting cold up in here” or “I need to relax up in here.”

    3. To give a shout out [to someone]: To call someone, or mention his or her name. A person on Weibo might say, “I want to give a shout out to all my peeps in my hometown this New Year’s” (peeps meaning “people”). Or, “Give me a shout out later,” for “Call me later.”

    4. Being all about [something]: To consider something important. “I’m all about honesty” instead of “I think it’s very important to be honest.” Or “He’s all about basketball” instead of “He really likes basketball.”

    5. To give [something] up [for someone]: To applaud (clap) for someone, perhaps with whistling and calling out as well. “Ladies and gentlemen, our next guest is known to everyone. Please give it up for Jackie Chan!”

    The next three expressions include the word “game,” a reference to people playing sports. The author suggests that you avoid referring to “your game” at all, as it is too informal.

    6. Combined with No. 1 above, “to get [one’s] game on”: To do a good (or better) job at something. “Stop fooling around at work. It’s time to get your game on!” or “My project is due tomorrow. I’d better get my game on.”

    7. To step up [one’s] game: To do a better job. “If you want to win the sales award, you’d better step up your game” or “He stepped up his game and came out No. 1.”

    8. To bring [one’s] A-game: To do one’s best. “This hike is very challenging. You’ll have to bring your A-game” or “The only way to succeed is to bring your A-game day in and day out.”

    Finally for today, the ultra-casual word “to chillax,” a combination of “to chill” (meaning to calm down or relax), and redundantly, to relax. “What are you guys doing after work today?” “Not much, just chillaxin’.”

    We’ll look at more new expressions that some people are already giving up on next time.