Origin of the phrase "Step On Up"

[Walt Freitag]

Is there some intrinsic meaning to the phrase "Step On Up" that the GNS usage with regard to Gamism builds on? I understand what the term is defined it to mean in the Gamism essay, and I have no objection to Ron's choice of the term (any more than if he'd used an entirely made up word), but I get the feeling that there's some cultural reference that I'm missing in the phrase itself.

Is it modified stereotyped carny barker speak, inviting a mark to participate in a game? (The more common stereotype is "Step Right Up," IIRC). Is it from a game show? (I'm familiar with "Come On Down...") Perhaps it's a reference from an arena of competition (rodeo? lumberjack olympics? casino tables?) that I'm not familiar with? Or is it recent slang (like "throw down") that I'm not hip to?

A Web search on the phrase didn't appear to exhibit any consistent theme, except for many references to a Boyz II Men song of that title:

Step on up, let your body go
Cuz I know you wanna do it so
When you hear the groove
You've gotta know
That it's time to make your move
Just step on up now

The "time to make your move" part is intriguing, but overall, hearing the groove on the dance floor doesn't seem to be quite the intended meaning for the "step on up" in Gamism.

Given the phrase out of all context, I would imagine it to mean any of the following:

1. Opt or volunteer to participate (but not implying specifically in a competitive manner or in a competitive activity: step on up to the dance floor, as above, or step on up to assist the magician with his next illusion).

2. Use a higher-quality or "more serious" product ("If you're tired of wimpy wines, step on up to Ravenswood's robust Zinfandels").

3. Go from one level of competiton or difficulty to a more challenging level of competition or difficulty (Sports page headline: "Coach says team ready to step on up to state championships" or "Java programmers, step on up to C++").

So, what am I missing?

- Walt, who's fond of obsolete sayings, especially: "Worm and parcel with the lay, but always serve the other way."

[Ron Edwards]

Hi Walt,

I don't have a specific cultural reference for you, but the meaning is closest to your #3: it's a signal that your personal ability or even "worth" is now in public scrutiny. I think the essential point is that there's no "do-over" available.

Best,
Ron

[Jeff Klein]

[...] it's a signal that your personal ability or even "worth" is now in public scrutiny. I think the essential point is that there's no "do-over" available.

'Step on up to the plate' seems to be a baseball expression in this vein.

[Jack Spencer Jr]

I always heard the term step on up in terms of a man-to-man combat. Example: in the Matrix, when any of the characters makes the beconing gesture i.e. Morpheus in the sparring program, Neo to Agent Smith. This silently says Step On Up.

One of the ninja turtles actually said step on up to one of the foot clan flunkies in the first movie.

[Walt Freitag]

Thanks for the answers. The phrase certainly does seem to work, I guess as a sort of center of gravity of all the different related phrases and usages people have mentioned here, while apparently not referring directly to any specific one of them. (F'rinstance, in baseball, you usually step up to the plate or the bag, rather than step on up to it.) I tend to read it as the carny barker phrase ("step right up") modified, because that carries the implication of entering into an arena with stakes (step up and play the game) instead of not doing so (just continue to stroll the midway), as opposed to quantitatively increasing stakes or challenge that you're already involved in. But it's all good. Even the Boyz II Men song seems to fit, if you consider the intense public scruitiny and social worth-judgment that go on around some dance floors.

(mutter mutter, Boyz II Men, buncha Gamists...)

- Walt