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get on up

B2 informal inseparable intransitive

An emphatic or energetic form of 'get up', often used as a motivational command to stand up, get moving, or rise.

In plain English

To get up quickly and energetically — often said to excite or motivate someone.

What does "get on up" mean?

2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.

1 B2 informal

An emphatic command to stand up or start moving, often used to motivate or energise people.

"The DJ grabbed the mic and shouted 'Get on up, everybody — this is your moment!'"

Get on up!

— James Brown, 'Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine', 1970
inseparable
2 B2 informal

To move forward or upward with energy and determination.

"Despite his injuries, he got on up and finished the race."

inseparable

Literal vs figurative

Words literally mean

To move upward and get to a standing position — emphasised and energised.

Actually means

To get up quickly and energetically — often said to excite or motivate someone.

Usage tip

Strongly associated with African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and popularised through funk and soul music, most famously James Brown. Used as a chant, exclamation, or command. Less common outside musical or celebratory contexts.

Words that pair with "get on up"

Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.

dance music crowd come on everybody floor

How to conjugate "get on up"

The five tense forms you'll use most often.

Base
get on up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
gets on up
he/she/it
Past simple
got on up
yesterday
Past participle
got/gotten on up
have + pp
-ing form
getting on up
continuous

Hear "get on up" in the wild

Listen to native speakers using "get on up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.

Other ways to say "get on up"

Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.

get moving get up jump up move it rise stand up

Keep exploring

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