Origins of the Phrase
Let’s start from the beginning. The phrase “turn up for what” originates from the African American Vernacular English (AAVE). This phrase was popularized by the Hip Hop culture, and eventually, it made its way into mainstream culture for use in common speech and internet slang.
The phrase is intrinsically tied to pop culture, specifically music. It’s widely recognized from the hit song “Turn Down for What” by DJ Snake and Lil Jon released in 2013. Despite the song’s lack of clear lyrical content, it became a huge hit and brought the phrase to global attention.
Meaning of ‘Turn Up’
Before we delve into the complete meaning of the phrase, let’s first break it down. The term “turn up” alone is slang predominantly used in the music and entertainment industry, and it stands for letting loose, partying, or having fun. This might mean dancing, drinking, or engaging in any other form of celebration.
Over time, the term has evolved to mean not just partying hard but also having a high-energy attitude towards anything in life. The turn-up can refer to an event, like a party or festival, or the actions that one engages in at these events.
Understanding ‘Turn Up For What’
Now that we understand the partial phrase, it is time to tackle the complete sentence. When someone say “Turn up for what”, they are asking the reason for the celebration or high-energy attitude. “What” in this phrase frequently refers to a specific event or happening triggering the ‘turning up’ or celebration.
In the case of the song “Turn Down for What”, the phrase is used rhetorically, implying there is no reason to stop the celebration or lower the energy. Similarly, when people use “Turn up for what” in conversation, they usually expect the response to be either a specific celebration or event that warrants such enthusiasm or a refusal to provide a specific reason, thus maintaining an overall positive, party-like vibe.
Usage in Modern Culture
Today, “turn up for what” is widely used in general conversation, social media, and even in professional settings for team building or motivating purposes. It adds a bit of thrill and enthusiasm to discussions by providing a way to celebrate achievements, special occasions, or just the enjoyment of life.
In conclusion, “turn up for what” is an upbeat phrase that promotes energy, positivity and a celebratory attitude towards life. It is versatile and can quickly transform any conversation into a festive discussion. However, like any other slang or colloquial phrase, it’s vital to make sure your audience understands its meaning to prevent confusion or misinterpretation.