The Archive

Etymology Journal · G

Get to steppin'

Meaning

A firm instruction to leave or stop wasting someone's time. It is a slightly confrontational but classic way to dismiss an unwanted guest or an unproductive idea.

Sassy, dismissive

Used in a sentence

  • If you are not going to help with the dishes, you better get to steppin.
  • I told him if he was going to complain all night he should get to steppin.
  • We have finished the project so you can get to steppin and head home early.

The backstory

Rooted in African American Vernacular English as a way to describe walking away with purpose. It has since entered the broader American lexicon through music and pop culture.

Heard in

Nationwide

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