Fighting back against social or cultural injustice is a constant battle. If you are looking for a call to action to rile up your social circle or just your community, there are a few catchphrases that may come in handy.
Maybe you are looking to get into a fight with a rival crew or group of people, is so, this is where phrases like “regulators mount up” comes in. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.
Meaning
The phrase “regulators mount up” is a call to arms against injustice. It generally is used in the POC community as a call to action or a call to arms. In its original form, the phrase referred to gang violence, territory battles, and personal protection from rival gangs. The modern usage is a bit different but still refers to generally the same thing.
The modern usage of regulators mount up outside of the POC community means to fight back against online injustice. Often when a controversial or sensitive subject is posted online, those who are against what is being said may respond with the phrase. By replying to regulators mount up, it calls others who feel the same way to the post as a means of support. More information can be found in the video (here).
Example Usage
“Did you see how racist Tom was being on Facebook earlier? Regulators mount up!”
“I can’t believe Jenny would post something so homophobic on her page. Regulators mount up.”
“They want to start trouble, then we will be trouble, Regulators mount up!”
“How could Ben say something that transphobic? Regulators mount up.”
Origin
Young Guns is a biographical Western about Billy the Kid and a group of gunmen who become deputies to avenge the murder of a rancher they knew. The film was released in 1988 by Morgan Creek Productions. The phrase “regulators mount up” is heard in the film, and that is where the expression got its start. The phrase was used on and off over the years but really became a battle anthem in the early 90s.
In 1994, rap artists Warren G and Nate Dogg released a song titled Regulate that also includes the phrase. It is Warren G’s photo that is most commonly associated with “regulators mount up” in memes on the Internet, though photos of the characters of Young Guns can also often be seen next to the phrase online. The word “regulate” was first defined on City Dictionary in 2003. In 2014, a channel named Steven Renderos posted a remix of Warren G’s Regulate, called Regulators Mount Up, that also received a large amount of recognition.
Phrases Similar to Regulators Mount Up
- Come look at this.
- Check this out.
- Can you believe this guy/girl?
- Absolutely not/no way/etc.
Phrases Opposite to Regulators Mount Up
- No worries
- I’m not concerned
- That’s not offensive
- Whatever
What is the Correct Saying?
- “Regulators mount up” is, itself, the correct saying.
Ways People May Incorrectly Say Regulators Mount Up
“Regulators mount up” is used to draw attention to something online that may be particularly offensive, as a means of getting people to retaliate against the poster. Using this phrase to draw attention to something that is not offensive would be the incorrect use. Some ways that “regulators mount up” is used incorrectly are:
- Aw, Amy donated to charity! Regulators mount up.
- Did you see Jason rescued that three-legged cat? Regulators mount up.
- I can’t believe Rebecca took in her sister’s three kids after she died. Regulators mount up.
- Kevin posted on his Facebook inviting people to a birthday party he’s throwing for his grandmother. Regulators mount up.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase Regulators Mount Up
- Cathy shared some really sexist things on Facebook last night. Regulators mount up.
- Austin has been saying some super misogynistic things recently. Regulators mount up.
- Toby posted some homophobic stuff on Instagram earlier. Regulators mount up.
- Sarah said something kind of ableist earlier that I didn’t like. Regulators mount up.