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boogie down

B2 informal intransitive
In simple words

To dance with a lot of energy and fun.

Literal meaning: To do the 'boogie' (a style of dance) in a downward direction — the 'down' intensifies the action.

Meanings

1 B2 informal

To dance with great energy and enthusiasm, especially to upbeat music.

"Everyone hit the dance floor and started to boogie down when the DJ dropped the old-school funk."

"Boogie down, boogie down / I said boogie down."

— KC and the Sunshine Band, 'Boogie Down' (1974)
2 C1 idiomatic informal

(Informal) To go somewhere, typically quickly or with enthusiasm.

"Come on, let's boogie down to the beach before it gets too hot."

Usage notes

Originated in 1970s African American vernacular; closely associated with disco, funk, and early hip-hop culture. Also used as a figurative expression meaning to go somewhere or get moving. The Bronx neighborhood is sometimes called 'the Boogie Down' (Bronx). Slightly dated but still widely understood.

Commonly used with

floor music party beat night groove

Forms

Base
boogie down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
boogies down
he/she/it
Past simple
boogied down
yesterday
Past participle
boogied down
have + pp
-ing form
boogiing down
continuous

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