right-on

[ rahyt-on, -awn ]

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.

right on

interjection

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

adjective

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

   right-on green politics

Word History and Origins

Origin of right-on¹

An Americanism dating back to 1965–70

Idioms and Phrases

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 .

Example Sentences

Her standing in the world rankings for right-on activists took yet another dive.

From The Daily Beast

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

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• absolutely right
• correct
• right
• true