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

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

On the other hand, it’s possible to feel a certain weariness about a new right-on mindset finding fault with, of all people, John Wayne.

From The Guardian • Feb. 20, 2019

And the lessons are right-on, for adults as well as children.

From New York Times • Jun. 14, 2017

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

It's right-on beautiful to see how kind gentlemen is nowadays': and she turned and tried, stumbling, to lead the way downstairs.

From Aylwin by Watts-Dunton, Theodore

Related Words

• absolutely right
• correct
• right
• true