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

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

The politician is credited in the sleeve notes as "The Right-On" Ken Livingstone.

From BBC

I think that's a really right-on observation.

From Salon

Ms. Love’s experiences, typical of so many of her generation, spurred her to write “Sappho Was a Right-On Woman: A Liberated View of Lesbianism” with Sidney Abbott, her partner at the time.

From New York Times

“NEA grants should be widely accessible to arts education and presenting organizations across the country. That’s right-on,” Dwyer said.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• absolutely right
• correct
• right
• true