1223 Word up - English Idioms

Explanation

A versatile slang expression primarily from African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and hip-hop culture. It can mean:

I agree or That's true (similar to True dat or Word).
Listen up or Pay attention (used to introduce something important).
Hello or What's up? (as a greeting).
An acknowledgement like Okay or I understand.

Origin

Emerged from AAVE and popularized globally through hip-hop music and culture in the 1980s (e.g., the song Word Up! by Cameo).
Word itself is AAVE slang signifying truth or agreement. Word up intensifies this or adapts it for other functions like greeting or getting attention.

Alternatives

Agreement:

Slang/Informal: Facts., No cap., Preach., I hear that.
Vulgar/Emphatic: Fuckin' A., Damn right.
Milder/Standard: That's true., I agree.

Attention:

Slang/Informal: Yo!, Aight listen.
Vulgar/Emphatic: Listen the fuck up! (Aggressive)
Milder/Standard: Excuse me., Attention, please.

Greeting:

Slang/Informal: Sup?, Yo!, How you livin'?
Milder/Standard: Hello., How are you?

Acknowledgement:

Slang/Informal: Gotcha., Aight. (Alright)
Milder/Standard: Okay., Understood.

Situational Appropriateness

Very informal slang.
Primarily used in contexts influenced by hip-hop culture or AAVE.
Best used among peers who share this cultural context or understanding.
Avoid in formal, professional, or unfamiliar settings.
Use by those outside the culture can sound awkward, dated, or appropriative if not used carefully and authentically.

Misunderstanding Warnings

The biggest issue is its multiple meanings. Non-native speakers (and even some native speakers less familiar with the slang) might not know which meaning is intended without strong context.
Also, the cultural appropriateness and potential datedness need to be understood.

Examples

(Agreement) Person A: That movie was dope. Person B: Word up.
(Attention) Word up, everybody listen! We need to finish this tonight.
(Greeting) Yo, word up, man! How you been?
(Acknowledgement) Person A: Meet me at 8. Person B: Word up.

Dialogue

Scenario 1 (Agreement):

Dev: Public transport is way better than driving in this city.

Sam: Word up. Parking is a nightmare.

Scenario 2 (Greeting):

Chen: Ay, word up, Lisa!

Lisa: Hey Chen! Word up. What's good?

Scenario 3 (Attention):

Mike: Word up, team! Quick announcement before we head out...

Response Patterns

(To agreement/acknowledgement): Usually none needed, or a nod.
(To attention-getting): People pay attention.
(To greeting): A return greeting (Yo, word up, What's up, Hey).

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

(After attention-getting): The speaker delivers the important message.
(After greeting): Normal conversational follow-up (What you been up to?, Not much, you?).
(After agreement/acknowledgement): Conversation usually moves on.

Conversation Starter

Yes, when used as a greeting (Word up?). Otherwise, it's usually a response or used to preface a statement.

Intonation

Varies significantly with meaning:

Agreement/Acknowledgement: Often short, sharp, falling intonation. WORD UP.
Attention-getting: Louder, more commanding, rising or level intonation. WORD UP!
Greeting: Casual, friendly, often with rising intonation like a question. Word UP?

Generation Differences

Peaked in popularity in the 80s and 90s but still used and understood, especially within hip-hop culture and AAVE-speaking communities.
Might sound dated to some younger people (Gen Z) unless used within specific cultural niches or ironically. Associated more strongly with Gen X and Millennials who grew up during its peak.

Regional Variations

Originated in the US (AAVE), spread globally through music/media. Most common in urban American contexts.

True dat

🎲 I second that

[1223] Word up