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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

“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 not an incitement to anything. We’re politically correct, right-on, the last magazine that would recommend violence or killing anyone. “Our cover is a provocation to think,” he added.

From Washington Times ● Feb. 3, 2017

At the time, The Guardian said "the whole show is a mess", while a scathing review in the Daily Mail referred to it as "super right-on" and "tooth-achingly trendy".

From BBC ● Jun. 8, 2016

Thank you for your right-on column on the ageism that plagues our society and how it is so acutely manifested in the music industry.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 10, 2016

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

At the start of his fifth season, Riley is convinced the Trojans are right on schedule.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 28, 2026

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

The paper in question is still on Theo’s bed where I’d piled the other papers earlier, right on top.

From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse

Related Words

• absolutely right
• correct
• right
• true