APAD: Be there or be square

Meaning:

    Turn up to an event or be boring or no fun and be left out and excluded.

 

Background:

   The common phrase `be there or be square' is believed to originate in the

   jazz scene in the United States in the 1950s.

   

   Before this time, the word square was used to depict anything straightforward

   and measured, in contrast to the off-beat jamming sessions of jazz music, so

   in the 1940s, the term `square' was used to refer to someone who failed to

   appreciate jazz music, and someone who was seen as out of touch with the

   trend.

 

   The phrase `be there or be square' was popularised by the 1950s. The meaning

   of the phrase `be there or be square' expanded over time to mean `be there or

   be someone who doesn't appreciate trending counter culture', or in other

   words, someone who isn't cool. With its catchy rhythmic appeal, it's no

   surprise the phrase caught on.

 

   Since its use in the jazz scene, the phrase has come up again and again in

   other contexts, including in the 1960s disco scene, and later in the 1970s

   and 1980s the punk rock scene.

 

   If you don't wish to offend someone by saying that they are boring or uncool,

   it would be best to avoid this phrase and to use an alternative phrase

   instead, such as `I hope you can make it'.

 

   The phrase `be there or be square' is best used when you expect the person or

   people to turn up to the event in question.

 

- www.phrases.org.uk [edited]

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The gym hosted seminars a couple of times per year, and members enjoyed

discounts to the annual camp taught by BJJ luminaries. Not everyone took the

opportunities, however. Chris, my old training partner, stopped going after a

year.

 

"The professors were great and their skills amazing. It was only that their

teachings went in one ear out the other and I'd forget the lessons in three

weeks," he griped.

 

"What about the camaraderie? The stills sure show folks having a great time," I

reminded him.

 

"While soaked in the buddy-buddy vibes and the oneness of the tribe, you forget

lieutenant Tessio's parting shot, that it was only business!" he snorted. "To

truly know people, you have to watch how they treat those who can't do anything

for them."

 

"That's true," I have to concede. "But no pressure for you?"

 

"Me? I'm not dying to belong. I'm an old bird addicted to the joy of missing

out. I won't be there, I'd rather be square!"