“Be There or Be Square” Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on October 16, 2024 by Liam Daniel

During English conversation, you may hear the term “be there or be square.” It is an odd-sounding phrase which can seem a little confusing at first, but the meaning is simple, once explained. This reference will take a look at what this term means, where it came from, and how you can use it in your daily conversations.

Be There Or Be Square Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • “Be there or be square” means attend an event or be considered uncool. It’s a playful way to encourage someone to participate in a social activity.
Be There or Be Square Meaning
Be There or Be Square Meaning – Created by 7ESL

What Does “Be There Or Be Square” Mean?

“Be there or be square” is a playful phrase used to encourage someone to attend an event, implying that if they don’t show up, they will be considered uncool or out of the loop. The phrase suggests that being “square” (a slang term for someone who is dull or not trendy) is the consequence of not participating in a social activity.

For example:

  • “We’re having a party this weekend. Be there or be square!”

Origin of this Idiom

The phrase was first coined between World War II and the 1950s, and so is a relatively new phrase when we look at how far back some terms date. Some people would say that the square portion of the phrase also uses a play on words, in that you will be a square if you are not at the event because you will not be “a-round”.

Usage of “Be There Or Be Square”

  1. Inviting someone to an event:
    • “We’re having a barbecue on Saturday—be there or be square!”
  2. Encouraging attendance at a social gathering:
    • “The concert starts at 7 pm, don’t miss it. Be there or be square!”
  3. Playfully urging a friend to show up:
    • “We’re meeting for coffee tomorrow. Be there or be square!”
  4. Promoting a fun event:
    • “This weekend’s beach party is going to be epic! Be there or be square!”

It’s typically used in a fun, casual manner to encourage participation in social events.

Related Terms to “Be There Or Be Square”

  • “Don’t miss it” – A direct way to urge someone to attend.
  • “Show up or miss out” – Implies the person will miss something great if they don’t attend.
  • “Join the fun” – Encourages someone to participate in an event or activity.
  • “Don’t be left out” – Warns that non-attendance will lead to missing out on something exciting.
  • “You better be there” – A more assertive or playful way to encourage someone to attend.
  • “Come or regret it” – Implies that the person will regret not attending the event.
  • “Don’t be a no-show” – A casual way of saying, “Don’t skip the event.”
  • “See you there” – A friendly expectation that the person will attend.
  • “It won’t be the same without you” – Suggests that the event needs the person’s presence to be complete.

Other Ways to Say the Phrase

This is a phrase with quite a unique meaning, however there are other ways to express the importance of attending an event in order to stay up to date and be in the know. Some of these could be:

  • If you’re not there, you will have FOMO (fear of missing out)
  • All the cool kids are going.

“Be There Or Be Square” Examples

You might use the term be there or be square when telling a friend about a party. For example if you are inviting them to a party which is going to be a big event, all the best people will be there and the music is set to be brilliant, you might invite your friend and tell the “It is going to be the best party ever, be there or be square.”

Conversation examples:

The term be there or be square is more likely to be heard during conversations of an informal nature. Some ways in which you might hear the phrase, could be like these conversations.

Conversation 1:

  • Person 1: Samantha is having her baby shower this afternoon.
  • Person 2: Does she have anything special planned?
  • Person 1: It is supposed to be the best baby shower that anyone has ever thrown, be there or be square.

Conversation 2:

  • Person 1: I can’t believe you missed the party last weekend.
  • Person 2: I know, everyone is talking about it, I feel so out of touch.
  • Person 1: I did warn you, be there or be square.
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