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• right-on
  right-on

  adjective

  exactly right or to the point.
• right on
  right on

  interjection

  an exclamation of full agreement, concurrence, or compliance with the wishes, words, or actions of another

right-on

American  

[rahyt-on, -awn] / ˈraɪtˈɒn, -ˈɔn /

adjective

Slang.

1. exactly right or to the point.

2. up-to-date; relevant.

   a right-on movie that shows conditions as they really are.

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right on British  

interjection

1. slang an exclamation of full agreement, concurrence, or compliance with the wishes, words, or actions of another

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adjective

1. informal modern, trendy, and socially aware or relevant

   right-on green politics

right on Idioms  

1. An exclamation of enthusiasm or encouragement, as in You've said it really well—right on! This interjection has a disputed origin. Some believe it comes from African-American slang (it was recorded in Odum and Johnson's The Negro and His Songs, 1925); others feel it is a shortening of right on target, used by military airmen, or right on cue, theatrical slang for saying the right lines at the right time. [Slang; first half of 1900s] Also see way to go.

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Etymology

Origin of right-on

An Americanism dating back to 1965–70

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

right-on right on

Meanwhile, the live band let us feel language as music by accompanying the performances with right-on renditions of Sly and the Family Stone and Teddy Pendergrass.

From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 19, 2023

“His unassailable integrity and right-on powers of assessment allowed him to act as a highly effective advocate for me.” she said.

From New York Times ● Dec. 21, 2019

It’s this commitment that means the Primavera lineup isn’t just one of the most right-on bills of the summer, but also one of the best.

From The Guardian ● May 3, 2019

We have little doubt that our analysis of how Teachout would be voting had she won the election would be as right-on as that of Faso.

From Washington Times ● Mar. 22, 2017

Through the open door to the sitting-room, and down the wall to the right-on and on she crept.

From Across the Years by Porter, Eleanor H. (Eleanor Hodgman)

She was generally right on target for the dramatic stories related, as take-charge and cheeky, witty, or sobbing and heartbroken as the lyrics required.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 20, 2026

For young Americans, casual dating is as easy as swiping right on an app, but prices can quickly add up.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 17, 2026

Used to the site, my guide was not affected in the least and tapped on the wall to remind me "this is the external wall, we're not miles underground at all... right on the surface".

From BBC ● Jul. 11, 2026

It is right on Montana and has a nice outdoor seating area.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 10, 2026

“Uh-huh, and while the books ain’t completely accurate, a lot of it is right on the money,” Ms. Lena says.

From "The Manifestor Prophecy" by Angie Thomas

Related Words

• absolutely right
• correct
• right
• true