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
An emphatic or energetic form of 'get up', often used as a motivational command to stand up, get moving, or rise.
To get up quickly and energetically — often said to excite or motivate someone.
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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
To move forward or upward with energy and determination.
"Despite his injuries, he got on up and finished the race."
To move upward and get to a standing position — emphasised and energised.
To get up quickly and energetically — often said to excite or motivate someone.
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.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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