Definition of get down

The phrase "get down" originally had different meanings depending on the context in which it was used. In early 1900s African American communities, "get down" referred to dancing styles that were heavily influenced by jazz music. It was used to encourage dancers to move their bodies in a low, rolling motion that emphasized the rhythm and improvisation of the style. In the context of Chicago blues music in the 1940s and 1950s, "get down" took on a different meaning. It was used in response to a particularly powerful and intense performance, encouraging the audience to become more immersed and engaged in the music. In this context, "get down" could also mean to relax and let go, as if to say, "allow yourself to feel the music and be carried away by it." Over time, the use of "get down" in this context expanded beyond blues music to include other styles of music and performance genres as well. Today, "get down" is used in a variety of contexts to describe everything from high-energy dance parties to impassioned musical performances to competitive athletic matches. The meaning may vary, but at its core, "get down" still encourages people to fully engage with and experience the moment in front of them.