Sorry, Narrad, but I don’t know the etymology. However, I can tell you that it seems to be a word from rap culture (no stereotyping here) which basically means that you agree with somebody or something. Of course, there are other meanings, and I could be totally off-base with my definition here. Someone will probably be along to correct me soon if that’s the case. (and I’m almost positively sure it is, too)
It can also be used as a greeting of sorts: “Word up, dude!” “Word up.” Then again, I don’t really know all the intricacies of its usage. I’ve tried to help using my extremely limited knowledge, which admittedly is not much, at least on this subject. I apologize for any and all inaccuracies, misinformation, and so forth.
Speaking of hijacks, let me jump on this one and say that I think the “greeting” to which you refer is “What up?” I’ve never heard “Word up” used as a greeting. “Word?” can, however, be used as a question, similar in meaning to the phrase “No kidding?”
Well, in an effort to be more cultured and to give the appearance of being well-travelled, I shall implement this, ahem, ‘word’ into my everyday vocabulary. My friends shall be ever so impressed (probably confused at first, but impressed after) by my verve!
I too was surprised to see Manda JO called out in a pit thread. But not nearly as surprised as I was to see this idea attributed to me:
Gee thanks.
I wasn’t even in on that thread, but I’ve participated in similar ones in the past. While I’ve had more male friendships than female, I’ve been rather glad that I’ve learned to develop female friendships and have actively sought them out. I usually chime in thusly on such threads.
I am now go to pout for upwards of 30 minutes that such a comment was not only attributed to me, but that no one else questioned what Cranky was doing making such an uncharacteristic statement.
Goddamnit, I’m starting to think the world might not revolve around me after all.
Kidding aside, this does sort of piss me off and I implore people to be careful whose name you type when you are quoting from memory.
Actually, I did note and (inwardly) question that very thing. However, I did not post my concerns, because I assumed immediately that it was a bald-ass lie.
Not to worry, Cranky dear…it was pretty clearly established early on in this thread that it was Crispy who said that…or implied it…or WHATEVER…[sub]this thread is getting to the point where you need a program to follow who is doing what and who said what and who MEANT what.[/sub]
It was clear, however, that it wasn’t you doing or saying ANYthing. At least to me. Even Manda Jo is allowed a little typo once in awhile…we were all just politely pretending it never happened.
Oh, you’re probably right, Scotti, but you know, for anyone who didn’t read the original thread they might honestly have thought I later chimed in and said that. Typo or not (and I know it was a mistake) it has me crabby.
It just figured that a WOMAN would have made the mistake. That’s why I hang out with guys all the time.
(Did I use that right? I would like to be able to claim that I learned something here.) *Besides the fact that 'Toonie likes The Wrong Girl and they BOTH like Isaly’s Klondie Bars. And that 'Toonie evidentally wears asbestos shorts. *
All valuable information to have, you’ve got to admit!
But don’t just listen to the ladies; listen to Cameo, king of “Word Up,” whose lyrics shall reveal all.
Word up
It’s the code word
No matter where you say it
You know that you’ll be heard
**word up **
(n) (interj.) A question like “What’s up?”, or “What’s the word?”.
I’ve typically heard it the first sense, sort of synonymous with “that’s the truth.” Interesting that they ascribe a Biblical etymology to the usage, since it would seem awfully difficult to pin down the origin of a slang usage.
Disclaimer: I am neither an etymologist nor a rap star.
