Did your friend tell you that Drake's music sucks? You could say, "don't be a square," to let them know they're out of touch with music trends. This p[ost unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.
Meaning
The expression "don't be a square" means someone acting boring or uninteresting. It's a way of telling someone they aren't "hip" to fashion, music, or entertainment trends.
If someone acts like a "square," they aren't fun to be around, and they have a stiff, rigid view of their life. They don't like to have fun, and they prefer to live a life devoid of taking risks.
Example Usage
"Why don't you want to come with us to Mike's party? Don't be a square, man. Put the books down for a minute and have fun with your friends."
"Don't be a square daddy-o. You can try something new and have a good time. Relax, no one is going to call you out or anything."
"Listen, Kim, lighten up, girl. Don't be a square and join us for an evening out on the town. You'll feel better after spending some time with your friends."
"Don't be a square man. Why do you always have to be such a killjoy? Can't you just let us enjoy ourselves for a change?"
"Listen here, my guy, don't be a square. No one appreciates it when you go on rants about how we all need to stay home and study instead of going out to have fun. Leave us alone."
"Is there any reason you're trying to put a damper on our spirits? Don't be a square, man. Lighten up, and let us enjoy our lives."
"What's the deal here? Don't be a square. Let Lana come out with us for the evening. She'll have a good time, and we'll take care of her for you."
"Don't be a square. Check out this new rap artist. His music is fire, and I dig his videos. Follow him on YouTube and Instagram."
Origin
The origin of the expression “don’t be a square’ comes from the 1940s jazz culture. The phrase was initially used to describe someone that was out of touch with popular music trends in the jazz scene. A square was the opposite of someone that was “hip” to the jazz culture and the hottest sounds in music at the time.
The modern use of the phrase “don’t be a square” comes from the 1994 movie, Pulp Fiction, starring Uma Thurman and John Travolta. In a scene where the couple arrive at a restaurant, Travolta shows his disdain for the restaurant, asking if they could go and get a steak somewhere.
Thurman replies “don’t be a” and traces a square with her fingers.
Phrases Similar to Don't be a Square
- Don’t be a killjoy.
- Don’t be a fuddy duddy.
Phrases Opposite to Don't be a Square
- You’re so boring.
- Play by the rules.
What is the Correct Saying?
- Don’t be a square.
Ways People May Say Don't be a Square Incorrectly
The phrase "don't be a square" doesn't refer to square objects. The "square" is a reference to someone uptight and boring. Using it to reference someone that's bulky is incorrect.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase Don't be a Square
You can use the expression "don't be a square" when you want to tell someone not to be boring or stiff. If someone is a square, they don't like excitement or fun. You can use the phrase in social and professional situations.
For instance, if your boss is being too uptight at the company Christmas party, you could tell them, "don't be a square" to get them to lighten up. You could use the expression to tell your friend to stop being so boring and join you for an evening of fun. It's a way of telling someone to stop being a "killjoy" and go along for the ride.