Being “with it” means staying hip, trendy, and in tune with the times. Initially rooted in the jazz-rich, roaring ‘20s, it quickly gained popularity primarily because of novelist Elinor Glyn and the vivacious Clara Bow, Hollywood’s quintessential “It Girl.” By the mid-20th century, it had evolved into a definitive marker of popularity and savviness. Richard Condon’s 1959 spy thriller The Manchurian Candidate sealed its place in the lingo hall of fame.
But let’s not stop at “with it!” Embrace an array of catchy expressions, fashionable phrases, and even outfits turned popular catchphrases. To be “with it” is to migrate through language like a linguistic chameleon. Let’s dive deep!
Similar Terms and Expressions
- Hip: Pertains to someone who is in the know.
- Cool: Universally accepted for those exuding remarkable style or charm.
- Trendy: Aligns with the most recent fashions or ideas.
- Slick: Denotes effortless and impressive detail or appearance.
- Groovy (60s): Reflective of the 60s cultural revolution’s musical segment.
- Radical (80s): Synonymous with ultra-cool during the skateboarding wave.
- Lit (modern): Modern synonym for something exceptionally good or exciting.
- Savvy: Tuned in and sharp, thanks to its origins in pirate’s tongues.
- Cutting Edge: Advanced and innovative, commonly used in tech.
- On fleek (modern): Something that’s strikingly on point or ideal.
Synonyms
- Current
- Modern
- Engaged
- Adapt
- Contemporary
- Fresh
Antonyms
- Outdated
- Passé
- Old-fashioned
- Unfashionable
- Antiquated
- Obsolete
Humorous Quotes
- “I’m so out of date, I actually remember when ’lit’ still needed a flame.” — Anon
- “Hipness is not a state of mind, it’s a fact cultivated winter, spring, summer, and fall.” —Borwens Jowles
References and Literature
- The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald: A literary nod to the original “with-it” crowd.
- The Manchurian Candidate by Richard Condon
- Breakfast at Tiffany’s by Truman Capote
- Cultural Amnesia by Clive James
Movies
- The Great Gatsby (2013)
- Midnight in Paris (2011)
- The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
Songs
- Stayin’ Alive by Bee Gees
- Uptown Funk by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
- Can’t Stop the Feeling by Justin Timberlake
Poetry
- Howl by Allen Ginsberg
- Jazz Fantasia by Carl Sandburg
By examining these idioms through time, we embrace the time-traveling joy of language’s adaptability. Remember to remain “with it” even as you pursue timeless wordplay, and you’ll always be at the lexicon’s forefront.
Farewell Thought by the Author:
Language is a dance of evolution and revolution. As you swagger forward with old-fashioned but gold cliches like “with it,” remember to blend modern elegance with iconic antiquity for a lifetime of stylish expression.
Stay sassy and savvy, W. T. Wittywords👓
Published: 2023-10-07
