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word up

C1 slang intransitive
In simple words

A cool way of saying 'that's true!' or 'hey, listen!' — used a lot in old-school hip-hop.

Meanings

1 C1 idiomatic slang

Used as an exclamation to express strong agreement or affirmation.

""That concert was absolutely incredible." "Word up, best night of the year.""

""Word up, everybody say, when you hear the call you've got to get it underway.""

— Cameo, 'Word Up!', 1986.
2 C1 idiomatic slang

Used to call for attention or signal that something important is about to be said.

"Word up, everybody — the party's moving to the roof."

Usage notes

Originated in African-American English and was popularised by 1980s–90s hip-hop culture. Used as an interjection meaning 'that's right', 'I agree', or 'listen up'. Widely considered dated or retro by younger speakers today. Immortalised by the song 'Word Up!' by Cameo (1986). More familiar in North American English.

Commonly used with

yeah seriously man that's right definitely

Forms

Base
word up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
words up
he/she/it
Past simple
worded up
yesterday
Past participle
worded up
have + pp
-ing form
wording up
continuous

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