The Origins and Evolution of 'Up and At Em': From Police Jargon to Popular Culture
Introduction
The phrase 'up and at em' has a rich history that spans from law enforcement jargon to pop culture, with influences on both literature and music. This article delves into its origins, how it evolved over time, and where we can find it today.
The Early Days: 1900s
According to the Oxford Dictionary, the earliest known use of 'up and at em' can be traced back to the 1900s. The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) cites an example from 1909 in the writing of O. H. Ball: 'It was always the up-and-at-em aspect of things that appealed to him... [O. H. Ball 'Their Oxford Year.']'. This early usage suggests that the phrase was already gaining popularity by this time.
Police Jargon and Crime Investigation
The phrase 'up and at em' became intricately woven into the world of law enforcement, particularly in the context of crime investigations. In investigative circles, time was of the essence, especially in homicide cases. The pressure to act quickly and decisively drove the adoption and spread of this phrase.
As an example, Dylan Thomas wrote in 1933, 'the 'up--at em' shoutings of Mr. Kipling'. This indicates that 'up and at em' had taken on a life of its own within law enforcement communities, extending beyond individual departments to influence broader cultural perceptions.
The phrase's usage was so widespread and meaningful that it was adopted by various police forces around the world. The urgency and the drive for immediate action encapsulated in 'up and at em' was a crucial element in preventing crime. The importance of this phrase is underscored by its persistent use in investigative circles, reflecting its significance in maintaining public safety and law and order.
The Phrase in Modern Contexts
Today, 'up and at em' continues to be used in law enforcement contexts, but its implications have broadened. It is often associated with a can-do attitude and rapid response, as seen in the phrase 'get on it.' This is particularly relevant in fields where quick action is critical, such as emergency services and security.
From Colloquialism to Euphemism
The phrase has also found its way into the world of popular culture, appearing in various forms of media. For instance, Dylan Thomas's phrase 'the 'up--at em' shoutings of Mr. Kipling' resonates with a sense of energy and urgency that appeals to audiences in different contexts.
Popularity and Usage
According to the attached ngram, the use of 'up and at em' seems to have taken off around 1990. This period of increased usage is coincident with a broader cultural shift towards rapid response and efficiency, reflecting changing societal attitudes and technological developments.
Euphemism for Sex in Music
Interestingly, 'up and at em' has also been used as a euphemism for sex, particularly in pop and rock music. Marvin Gaye's classic song 'Let's Get It On' captures the essence of the euphemistic use of the phrase. The song's official title and lyrics provide a clear illustration of how the phrase can be used in a colloquial and intimate context.
**Additional Information and Media
To illustrate the usage of 'up and at em' in music, consider Marvin Gaye's 'Let's Get It On.' The song title itself is a euphemism, reflecting the intimate connotations of the phrase. The lyrics further emphasize the intuitive and passionate nature of the phrase:
Ive been really tryin'
babyn'
Tryin' to hold back these feelings for
so long
nAnd if you feel like I feel babyn'
Come on
oh come on
'Let's get it on'
Additionally, the song is categorized under the genres of Glam rock and boogie rock and was released on the Fly UK and Reprise labels. The writers of the song are noted as Marc Bolan, and it was produced by Tony Visconti.
Other Variants and Usage
The phrase 'up and at em' also has variations and related terms. For instance, the term 'raring to go' gained prominence in the early 20th century as an expression of eagerness. This was a colloquialism that came about between 1833 and the early 1900s, with 'rare' initially meaning 'rise up.' By 1909, 'raring' emerged as a variant, meaning 'eager.' The phrase 'raring to go' is a direct descendant of this evolution.
Conclusion
In summary, the phrase 'up and at em' has a complex history rooted in law enforcement and evolving to become a part of modern pop culture. Its usage spans from investigating crimes to representing a can-do attitude in various fields. The phrase 'raring to go' is a related term that reflects the broader cultural shifts and expressions of eagerness and urgency.